P1030 - INFLUENCE OF DYSPHAGIA AND MALNUTRITION ON THE THERAPEUTIC COURSE IN CHILDREN WITH NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA

P1030

INFLUENCE OF DYSPHAGIA AND MALNUTRITION ON THE THERAPEUTIC COURSE IN CHILDREN WITH NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA

R. Chakir¹, A. boutaina², S. harbaj², S. ichou², A. lachgar², K. nouni², H. elkacemi², T. Kebdani^2,*, K. hassouni²

¹Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy , mohamed V univeristy, ²radiation therapie , national institute of oncology , rabat, Morocco

Rationale: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in children represents a major therapeutic challenge in pediatric oncology. Malnutrition, worsened by treatment-induced dysphagia, is a vital factor influencing tolerability, continuity of care and quality of life.

This study aims to investigate the impact of dysphagia and malnutrition on the success of treatment in pediatric patients diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Methods: Retrospective review of patients aged 3–18 treated from 2020 to 2024 at the National Institute of Oncology, Rabat. Data included dysphagia, weight loss, nutritional status, treatment interruptions, and side effects. These data were gathered from follow-up visits during and after treatment.

Results: The median age at diagnosis was 14 years. Undifferentiated carcinoma of the nasopharyngeal type (UCNT) was found in 79% of cases. As for treatment, 95% of patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy in 62.5% of cases, and exclusive radiotherapy in 25%. The main side effects observed included: Nausea and vomiting: 25%, Radiomucositis: 29% (12.4% grade 1 and 16.6% grade 2), Dysphagia: 33%, with significant impact on oral intake, 16.6% in patients experienced significant weight loss and general deterioration due to malnutrition. Approximately 30% had to discontinue treatment temporarily due to deterioration in nutritional status. 4.16% of those concerned have died, and 16.66% are missing with no further news of them.

Conclusion: Malnutrition, particularly when aggravated by dysphagia, is a limiting factor in the management of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in children. It increases the risk of treatment delays and compromises therapeutic outcomes. Early and appropriate nutritional management, integrated into a multidisciplinary approach, is essential to optimize treatment success and improve the quality of life of pediatric patients.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared