Myth or reality: the oxygen effect in rectal cancer radiotherapy

This study provides evidence that hemoglobin variation significantly influences survival outcomes in rectal cancer radiotherapy, supporting the clinical relevance of the oxygen effect. Hemoglobin monitoring and oxygenation strategies could be integrated into clinical practice to improve treatment efficacy, especially when considering dosimetric impacts on contoured bone marrow regions (ABM and LDBM). Future prospective studies are required to confirm these findings and explore interventions aimed at optimizing tissue oxygenation during radiotherapy.