Background and objective: Anemia is commonly observed in lung cancer (LC). Hemoglobin levels at the time of diagnosis could be considered a prognostic indicator in patients with LC. The aim of this trial was to analyze hemoglobin levels at the time of diagnosis as a prognostic factor in patients with LC.
Patients and method: We retrospectively examined all patients with LC (cytologically or histologically confirmed) diagnosed in our health area for a period of 3 years. Correlation between hemoglobin levels and survival was assessed. All patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with low hemoglobin levels (lower than percentile 25 of the distribution), and patients who exceeded that figure. By means of Cox's regression, the influence of hemoglobin levels in survival was calculated and adjusted to other factors.
Results: 421 patients were included, 52.2% of them presented anemia at the time of diagnosis. Mean age was 65.8 years and 92.7% were male. The group of patients with hemoglobin levels lower than percentile 25 had a survival rate that was 41% inferior.
Conclusions: Low hemoglobin levels are associated with decreased survival in patients with LC. The evaluation of this parameter could be used for a more accurate prognosis in LC and a better adequacy of therapeutic indications.