Sep 14, 2025
1:00 PM2:00 PM
Poster Session
P361 - NUTRITIONAL CHANGES DURING RADIOTHERAPY IN HEAD AND NECK CANCER PATIENTS
P361
NUTRITIONAL CHANGES DURING RADIOTHERAPY IN HEAD AND NECK CANCER PATIENTS
R. Laraichi1,2,*, F. Z. Chraa1,2, S. Smiti1,2, I. Skitioui1,2, K. Nouni1,2, A. Lachgar1,2, H. El kacemi1,2, T. kebdani1,2, K. Hassouni1,2
1radiotherapy, national institute of oncology, 2Faculty of medecine, Mohammed V university, Rabat, Morocco
Rationale: Malnutrition affects between 42% and 77% of head and neck cancer patients at the time of diagnosis, with the condition worsening as treatment progresses. Providing nutritional support is a key component of multidisciplinary care, from diagnosis to the completion of cancer treatment. The aim of the study is to assess changes in body composition and nutritional status during radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer.
Methods: This is a prospective cohort observational study conducted in the radiotherapy department of the national institute of oncology in Rabat, Morocco. 50 Patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) who underwent chemoradiotherapy were included. From the moment of diagnosis, all patients received dietary counseling and were closely monitored throughout treatment, with nutritional support provided as necessary.
Results: Between March 2024 and March 2025, 50 patients were included in the study. Nutritional and anthropometric data were collected at the initial admission to the radiotherapy department, after the first session, at the first and at the third week of radiotherapy, as well as by the end of treatment.
22% of patients were malnourished at the time of admission. A significant decline in nutritional status (p = 0.002) was observed by the end of radiotherapy, with 90% of patients classified as either severely or moderately malnourished. Additionally, key nutritional parameters such as weight, BMI, and hand grip strength significantly decreased over the course of radiotherapy. Patients lost a mean of 6,8 kg (5.7– 10,2; p < 0.001) at the end of the treatment and BMI dropped an average of 1.96 kg/m2 (1.5–3.7;p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Although advanced HNSCC cancer patients receive comprehensive nutritional support, their nutritional status declines during radiotherapy. Additional research is required to explore new strategies to prevent nutritional decline.
Disclosure of Interest: None declared