Sep 13, 2025
1:00 PM2:00 PM
Poster Session
P167 - NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT IN HEAD AND NECK CANCER PATIENTS UNDERGOING RADIATION THERAPY: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY FROM MOROCCO
P167
NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT IN HEAD AND NECK CANCER PATIENTS UNDERGOING RADIATION THERAPY: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY FROM MOROCCO
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: Nutritional deficiencies are a common concern in patients with head and neck cancers undergoing radiation therapy. This study assessed the nutritional status and support of head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy at the National Oncology Institute in Rabat, Morocco. It focused on the impact of malnutrition on treatment tolerance and complications.
Methods: A retrospective study from January to December 2024 assessed the nutritional status of 30 head and neck cancer patients, 20% of whom had buccal cancer. Nutritional support was provided using the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), with options including jejunostomies, nasogastric sondes, and endoscopic gastrostomies. Data on treatment, nutritional support, and complications were collected.
Results: This study evaluated the nutritional status of 30 head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy at the National Oncology Institute in Rabat, Morocco. Of these patients, 40% were classified as malnourished. Malnourished patients had longer hospital stays (average of 10 days) compared to well-nourished patients (average of 6.5 days) and were more likely to experience treatment delays (45% vs. 15%). Nutritional support was provided through parenteral nutrition (70%), jejunostomies (30%), and nasogastric sondes (10%). Malnourished patients also faced more complications, including infections and mucositis, leading to higher rates of hospital readmissions.
Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of nutritional assessment in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Malnutrition leads to treatment delays, complications, and longer hospital stays. Early intervention with appropriate nutritional support, including jejunostomy and parenteral nutrition, is crucial to improving outcomes, especially in resource-limited settings like Morocco.
Disclosure of Interest: None declared