The Open Cancer Immunology Journal

2020, 8 : 1-7
Published online 2020 September 22. DOI: 10.2174/1876401002008010001
Publisher ID: TOCIJ-8-1

RESEARCH ARTICLE
Peripheral Blood Oxygen Saturation: A Non-invasive Prognostic Marker in Cancer Patients Treated with Radiation Therapy- A Pilot Study

Savitha David1, * and V Lokesh1

*Address correspondence to this author at Department of Radiation Oncology, KIDWAI memorial institute of oncology, Bengaluru, India; Tel: 9980836554; E-mail: dr.sav.david@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Aims:

1. To evaluate the prognostic value of SpO2 in cancer patients 2. To correlate between daily SpO2 values and tumor response to radiation.

Background:

Tumor hypoxia is an important prognostic factor in Oncology. It plays an important role in tumorogenesis, radiation resistance and tumor progression. Many invasive and in-vitro methods are available to assess the hypo-oxygenated status of tumors.

Objective:

We evaluated if SpO2 values measured from pulse oximetry could be used as an adjunct prognostic and predictive factor in oncology patients.

Methods:

Ten consecutive patients with locally advanced, non-metastatic disease were evaluated. Daily SpO2 measurements throughout the treatment and weekly haemoglobin values were noted. All patients received radical intent radiation therapy. Patients were categorised into two groups: poor SpO2 (<97mmHg) and better SpO2 (≥98mmHg).

Results:

Tumour response was higher in patients with better SpO2 (≥98mmHg). Patients with poor SpO2 (<97mmHg) presented with bulkier disease at diagnosis.

Conclusion:

Role of SpO2 as a prognostic and predictive factor should be explored further with in vitro and pH studies.

Keywords:

Pulse oximetry, Prognostic, Cancer, SpO2 Value, Tumorogenesis, Oncology.