Sep 13, 2025
1:00 PM2:00 PM
Poster Session
P016 - IMPACT OF MALNUTRITION ON TREATMENT OUTCOMES IN MOROCCAN WOMEN WITH LOCALLY ADVANCED CERVICAL CANCER UNDERGOING CHEMORADIATION THERAPY
P016
IMPACT OF MALNUTRITION ON TREATMENT OUTCOMES IN MOROCCAN WOMEN WITH LOCALLY ADVANCED CERVICAL CANCER UNDERGOING CHEMORADIATION THERAPY
I. Skitioui1,2,*, R. Laraichi1,2, S. Ichou1,2, K. Nouni1,2, A. Lachgar1,2, H. Elkacemi1,2, T. Kebdani1,2, K. Hassouni1,2
1Radiation therapy, National Institut of Oncology, 2Faculty of Medecine and Pharmacy Rabat, University Mohamed V, Rabat, Morocco
Rationale: Malnutrition is a critical factor affecting the treatment of cervical cancer, particularly in patients undergoing chemoradiation therapy. This study aims to investigate the impact of malnutrition, exacerbated by restrictive dietary behaviors following cancer diagnosis, on treatment outcomes and side effects in Moroccan women with locally advanced cervical cancer.
Methods: This retrospective study included 40 Moroccan women aged 35 to 65 years (mean age 47.5) diagnosed with locally advanced cervical cancer who received cisplatin-based chemotherapy and pelvic radiotherapy. Patients were divided into malnourished (n=22) and well-nourished (n=18) groups based on BMI (<18.5 or >10% weight loss). Data on baseline characteristics, treatment tolerance, side effects, and radiotherapy completion were extracted from medical records and analyzed.
Results: Malnourished patients had a lower BMI (17.2 ± 1.3) and experienced greater weight loss (12.8%) compared to well-nourished patients (2.7%). They also had higher rates of anemia (60% vs. 28%) and more restrictive diets, avoiding proteins, meats, and sugars. Malnourished patients experienced more severe nausea (62% vs. 28%), diarrhea (68% vs. 38%), fatigue (78% vs. 42%), infections (48% vs. 12%), and treatment interruptions (48% vs. 12%). They had lower radiotherapy completion (70% vs. 92%) and a higher rate of disease progression (38% vs. 14%) with a lower complete response (52% vs. 82%).
Conclusion: Malnutrition significantly impacts treatment tolerance and response in Moroccan women with locally advanced cervical cancer undergoing chemoradiation therapy. Restrictive dietary changes, such as avoiding meat, proteins, and sugars, further worsen malnutrition and affect treatment outcomes. Early intervention and nutritional management are essential to improve treatment efficacy, reduce side effects, and enhance overall prognosis.
Disclosure of Interest: None declared