Carcinoma of cervix with severe anaemia: treatment by radiotherapy without blood transfusion using hyperbaric oxygen

A patient with stage III carcinoma of the cervix was found to have severe anaemia with a haemoglobin concentration of 4·3 g per 100 ml. Blood transfusion was refused by the patient. She was given radiotherapy using hyperbaric oxygen and this was followed by a radium application. The immediate response was very satisfactory and the haemoglobin concentration rose to normal limits. At examination under anaesthesia seven months after presentation there was no sign of tumour. This method of management may be the optimum for the severely anaemic patient with a malignant tumour suitable for radiotherapy who refuses blood transfusion. The theoretical advantages of radiotherapy using hyperbaric oxygen in the presence of anaemia are considered.