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Weight loss in patients receiving radical radiation therapy for head and neck cancer: a prospective study

Journal Article · · JPEN, J. Parenter. Enteral Nutr.; (United States)
; ;
Thirty-one patients receiving radiation therapy for localized cancer of the head and neck areas were systematically assessed before, during, and after treatment. The pathogenesis of weight loss and its association with treatment morbidity and other determinants were sought. The serial data collected consisted of a food frequency questionnaire based on Canada's Food Guide, anthropometric measurements, 10 Linear Analogue Self Assessment questions on morbidity, and biochemical and hematological indices. Twenty of 31 patients (68%) lost over 5% of their presenting weight within one month after completing treatment. The mean weight loss was 10% and the range of weight loss in this group was 5.4 to 18.9%. Pretreatment dietary habits, serum albumin, absolute lymphocyte count, serum creatinine, creatinine height index, and anthropometric measurements did not predict for weight loss. However, weight loss can be predicted on the basis of field size and site irradiated. Treatment-related morbidity involving dysguesia, xerostomia, dysphagia of solids, and mouth pain was greater and of longer duration in patients with weight loss. The sequence of development of these symptoms during treatment and their duration provide a rational basis for the timing and methods of nutritional intervention in this patient population.
Research Organization:
Department of Nursing, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
OSTI ID:
6185870
Journal Information:
JPEN, J. Parenter. Enteral Nutr.; (United States), Journal Name: JPEN, J. Parenter. Enteral Nutr.; (United States) Vol. 6:5; ISSN JPEND
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Related Subjects

550603 -- Medicine-- External Radiation in Therapy-- (1980-)
560151* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
BODY
BODY AREAS
CARCINOMAS
DIET
DISEASES
HEAD
IRRADIATION
LOCAL IRRADIATION
MEDICINE
NECK
NEOPLASMS
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
NUTRITION
PATIENTS
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOLOGY
RADIOTHERAPY
SIDE EFFECTS
THERAPY
WEIGHT