Type of publication:
Conference abstract
Author(s):
*McLaughlin K , *Zuydam A, *Probert C ,Voyce C ,Grayson K
Citation:
British Association of Health and Neck Oncologists, BAHNO Annual Scientific Meeting, Royal College of Physicians, London, Friday 12th May 2017
Abstract:
Background: Chemoradiotherapy treatment for head and neck cancer can cause significant adverse side-effects that have the potential to impair nutritional status, physical functioning and quality of life. The aims of the study were to measure nutritional status and use of enteral tube feeding at the end of treatment and 3 months post-treatment and to assess the relationship between these factors and patient reported outcomes.
Methods: Subjects treated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy with curative intent were recruited prospectively over 18 months. Data were collected on 33 subjects with a diagnosis of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, nasopharynx or hypopharynx stage T1-4, N0-2b, M0 disease at baseline, at end of treatment and 3 months post-treatment. Nutrition outcomes were weight, percentage weight change, gastrostomy dependence (days of PEG use) and percentage of nutritional requirements met orally and via PEG.
Results:
As expected baseline BMI was significantly lower at end of treatment and 3 months post-treatment compared to baseline. The mean percentage weight loss of 5.6% during treatment is comparable to other studies. Mean nutrition via PEG was 85.0% and 35.6% of requirements at end of treatment and 3 months post-treatment respectively. Mean PEG dependence at 3 months was 85 days. There was a trend towards significance for increased weight loss and days of PEG use at 3 months (r=0.406).
Conclusions:
The data show some interesting trends, however the small sample size limited statistical analysis. Further research with a larger cohort is required to explore the findings further.