Blood transfusions and recurrence in head and neck cancer

Recent reports in the general surgery literature have shown decreased survival with blood transfusions in abdominal cancer surgery. We reviewed our experience with 100 consecutive patients, all of whom had 5-year follow-up, to see if this held true for head and neck cancer. The detailed report covers site and stage. In summary, however, the recurrence rate for all cancers of the larynx was 14% for those who did not receive blood and 65% for those who did. For cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, and nose or sinus, the recurrence rate was 31% without transfusions and 71% with transfusions. It would appear that the use of blood transfusions somehow adversely affects the patient's survival. Further study needs to be done to elucidate the mechanism.