Nutritional outcomes in head and neck cancer patients: is intensive nutritional care worth it?

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare nutritional outcomes before and after implementation of weekly dietetic counseling (intensive nutritional care) in head and neck cancers patients. METHODS: A retrospective study with all head and neck patients, who received radiotherapy between January 2010 and December 2017 were performed. The main outcome was significant weight loss. Compliance to caloric and protein recommendations were also evaluated. RESULTS: In all, 472 patients were included. Weight loss was not different between before and after implementation (-6.7%; IQ -10.5/-1.9 vs -5.0%; IQ -9.8/-0.7;p=0.06).There were no significant difference in terms of meeting the recommended intake. Higher baseline body mass index and oral nutritional support predicted significant weight loss. CONCLUSION: Implementation of intensive nutritional care did not have an impact on weight loss and energy and protein intake in head and neck cancer patients. Further research would be of value to determine the appropriate service-delivery model to achieve optimal patient outcomes.