P279 - THE ROLE OF PARENTERAL NUTRITION IN MANAGING MALNUTRITION INDUCED BY RADIOTHERAPY IN HEAD AND NECK CANCER: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS

P279

THE ROLE OF PARENTERAL NUTRITION IN MANAGING MALNUTRITION INDUCED BY RADIOTHERAPY IN HEAD AND NECK CANCER: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS

A. Majdi^1,2, C. ezzouitina^1,2, F. Z. Chraa^1,2, H. Moubarik^1,2, R. Laraichi^1,2, A. lachgar^1,2, K. Nouni^1,2, H. Elkacemi^2,3, T. kebdani^1,2,*, K. Hassouni^1,2

¹Radiotherapy, National Institute of Oncology, ²Medicine, Faculty of medicine and pharmacy mohammed V, ³Radiotherapy, Institut National d'Oncologie, RABAT, Morocco

Rationale: Malnutrition is a common and significant complication of radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer, leading to treatment delays, dose reductions, and poorer outcomes. Parenteral nutrition (PN) is sometimes used in these patients when oral or enteral feeding is insufficient. This retrospective study investigates the role of PN in managing malnutrition in patients undergoing RT for head and neck cancer.

Methods: This retrospective study included 100 patients treated for head and neck cancer with RT between January 2021 and December 2024. All patients developed significant malnutrition during treatment, defined by weight loss of >10% and serum albumin levels <3.0 g/dL. Parenteral nutrition was initiated when oral or enteral intake could not meet nutritional needs. The effectiveness of PN was evaluated by changes in weight, serum albumin, and the need for RT dose adjustments.

Results: Of the 100 patients, 71 (71%) required parenteral nutrition (PN) during radiotherapy. PN was initiated an average of 3 weeks after treatment began. Weight gain was observed in 65% of patients, with an average increase of 3.5 kg. Serum albumin improved in 58%, with a mean increase of 0.8 g/dL. The delay in radiotherapy due to malnutrition was reduced by 40% in the PN group compared to those without PN. No significant complications related to PN were observed, and overall tolerance was good, with no need for prolonged hospitalizations.

Conclusion: Parenteral nutrition plays a critical role in managing malnutrition in patients undergoing RT for head and neck cancer. It improves weight and nutritional status, reduces the need for treatment modifications, and supports better clinical outcomes. PN should be considered early in the treatment process for patients at risk of severe malnutrition.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared