PD868 - MALNUTRITION AND EATING BEHAVIOR DISORDERS AS PREDICTORS OF RADIOTHERAPY TOXICITY IN ESOPHAGEAL CANCER: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

PD868

MALNUTRITION AND EATING BEHAVIOR DISORDERS AS PREDICTORS OF RADIOTHERAPY TOXICITY IN ESOPHAGEAL CANCER: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

I. Hassnaoui^1,*, N. benider¹, K. nouni¹, A. lachgar¹, H. El Kacemi¹, T. Kebdani¹, K. Hassouni¹

¹Radiotherapy, nationale institute of oncology, Rabat, Morocco

Rationale: Malnutrition is highly prevalent in esophageal cancer due to dysphagia and treatment-related toxicity. Its impact on radiotherapy tolerance is well recognized, but the role of eating behavior disorders remains insufficiently explored. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of malnutrition and eating behavior disturbances and to evaluate their predictive value for treatment-related toxicity and interruption.

Methods:

Results: At baseline, 61% of patients presented weight loss ≥10%, and 47% had hypoalbuminemia. Eating behavior disorders were identified in 39% of patients and were significantly associated with severe dysphagia (p=0.01). Grade ≥3 esophagitis occurred in 36% of patients, and treatment interruption >7 days in 29%. Weight loss ≥10% was significantly associated with severe esophagitis (p=0.003). Hypoalbuminemia was associated with treatment interruption (p=0.01). In multivariate analysis, eating behavior disorders were independently associated with severe toxicity (OR=2.8, p=0.02).

Conclusion: Malnutrition is highly prevalent in esophageal cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and significantly impacts treatment tolerance. Eating behavior disorders represent an independent and under-recognized predictor of toxicity. Early nutritional screening and multidisciplinary management should be systematically implemented to improve clinical outcomes.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared