PP075-MON: Echium Oil is not Protective Against Weight Loss in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Curative Radiotherapy

Background: The study objective was to assess the development of xerophthalmia [dry eye syndrome (DES) or keratoconjunctivitis sicca] in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.Methods: Twenty two head and neck cancer patients requiring more than 60 Gy of curative radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy and ten patients requiring radiotherapy/ chemoradiotherapy for treating cancers in the non head and neck regions (like breast, oesophagus, prostate, cervix and rectal cancers) were also enrolled in the study. The development of DES was studied at the beginning (day 0, before the start of radiotherapy) at day 21 (after completion of 30 Gy) and on completion of the treatment (> 60 Gy). As a comparative cohort, people with non head and neck cancer needing curative radiotherapy were also evaluated for comparison.Results: There was no difference in degree of DES between the Head and Neck cancer cohorts and non head and neck group at the beginning of treatment. However there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) between the two groups at both mid and end of RT time point. Inter comparison between the various time points in the head and neck cancer group showed that the incidence of DES increased with the radiation exposure and was significant (pre to mid p < 0.001; and mid to end p < 0.005). A negative (r = -0.262) correlation was seen between DES and distance.Conclusions: The study showed that lesser the distance from the epicenter of the radiation to the orbital rim more was the severity of DES.

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Explorative study on the predictive value of systematic inflammatory and metabolic markers on weight loss in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy

Supportive Care in Cancer ◽

10.1007/s00520-009-0758-4 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 1385-1391 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Ylva Tiblom Ehrsson ◽

Per M. Hellström ◽

Kerstin Brismar ◽

Lena Sharp ◽

Ann Langius-Eklöf ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Weight Loss ◽

Head And Neck Cancer ◽

Head And Neck ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Neck Cancer ◽

Predictive Value ◽

Metabolic Markers ◽

Explorative Study

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Does radiation dose to the salivary glands and oral cavity predict patient-rated xerostomia and sticky saliva in head and neck cancer patients treated with curative radiotherapy?

Radiotherapy and Oncology ◽

10.1016/j.radonc.2005.10.002 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 77 (2) ◽

pp. 164-171 ◽

Cited By ~ 88

Author(s):

Anke Petra Jellema ◽

Patricia Doornaert ◽

Ben J. Slotman ◽

C. Rene Leemans ◽

Johannes A. Langendijk

Keyword(s):

Head And Neck Cancer ◽

Radiation Dose ◽

Oral Cavity ◽

Head And Neck ◽

Salivary Glands ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Neck Cancer ◽

Curative Radiotherapy ◽

Sticky Saliva

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

Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice ◽

10.1017/s146039691500031x ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. 343-352 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Patrick Dawson ◽

Amy Taylor ◽

Chris Bragg

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

At Risk ◽

Weight Loss ◽

Body Weight ◽

Head And Neck Cancer ◽

Head And Neck ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Neck Cancer ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Relative Significance

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.

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