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Exploration of risk factors for weight loss in head and neck cancer patients

Exploration of risk factors for weight loss in head and neck cancer patients AbstractIntroductionHead and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy can experience a number of toxicities, including weight loss and malnutrition, which can impact upon the quality of treatment. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study is to evaluate weight loss and identify predictive factors for this patient group.Materials and methodsA total of 40 patients treated with radiotherapy since 2012 at the study centre were selected for analysis. Data were collected from patient records. The association between potential risk factors and weight loss was investigated.ResultsMean weight loss was 5 kg (6%). In all, 24 patients lost >5% starting body weight. Age, T-stage, N-stage, chemotherapy and starting body weight were individually associated with significant differences in weight loss. On multiple linear regression analysis age and nodal status were predictive.ConclusionYounger patients and those with nodal disease were most at risk of weight loss. Other studies have identified the same risk factors along with several other variables. The relative significance of each along with a number of other potential factors is yet to be fully understood. Further research is required to help identify patients most at risk of weight loss; and assess interventions aimed at preventing weight loss and malnutrition. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice Cambridge University Press

Exploration of risk factors for weight loss in head and neck cancer patients

Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice , Volume 14 (4): 10 – Jul 22, 2015
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References (46)

Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2015 
ISSN
1467-1131
eISSN
1460-3969
DOI
10.1017/S146039691500031X
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionHead and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy can experience a number of toxicities, including weight loss and malnutrition, which can impact upon the quality of treatment. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study is to evaluate weight loss and identify predictive factors for this patient group.Materials and methodsA total of 40 patients treated with radiotherapy since 2012 at the study centre were selected for analysis. Data were collected from patient records. The association between potential risk factors and weight loss was investigated.ResultsMean weight loss was 5 kg (6%). In all, 24 patients lost >5% starting body weight. Age, T-stage, N-stage, chemotherapy and starting body weight were individually associated with significant differences in weight loss. On multiple linear regression analysis age and nodal status were predictive.ConclusionYounger patients and those with nodal disease were most at risk of weight loss. Other studies have identified the same risk factors along with several other variables. The relative significance of each along with a number of other potential factors is yet to be fully understood. Further research is required to help identify patients most at risk of weight loss; and assess interventions aimed at preventing weight loss and malnutrition.

Journal

Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice – Cambridge University Press

Published: Jul 22, 2015

Keywords: H&N; head and neck irradiation; malnutrition; radiotherapy; weight change

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