P039 - IMPACT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS ON TOLERANCE TO RADIOTHERAPY TREATMENT

P039

IMPACT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS ON TOLERANCE TO RADIOTHERAPY TREATMENT

S. Harbaj¹, R. CHAKIR², B. AGDI², I. LAHLALI², K. NOUNI², A. LACHGAR², H. EL KACEMI², T. KEBDANI^2,*, K. HASSOUNI²

¹Radiotherapy, National Institute of Oncology, ²Radiotherapy, National Institut of Oncology , Rabat, Morocco

Rationale: Nutritional status plays a key role in the management of cancer patients. Undernutrition, which is common in this context, can impair tolerance of oncological treatments and worsen side effects. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of nutritional status on patients' ability to tolerate treatments, particularly concomitant radiotherapy and radio-chemotherapy, and on their clinical course.

Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical study of 140 patients undergoing radiotherapy or concomitant radio-chemotherapy in the radiotherapy department of the Rabat National Institute of Oncology. Nutritional status was assessed at the start of treatment using clinical and biological indicators (BMI, recent weight loss, albumin, undernutrition score). Treatment tolerance was monitored throughout the course of treatment, noting adverse events, protocol modifications or treatment interruptions. 

Results: Of the 140 patients included, 58.6% were female and 41.4% male, with an average age of 57 years. The tumor localizations selected were ENT cancer (47.85%), cervical cancer (30.71%), prostate cancer (21.43%).

At initial assessment, 45% of patients had impaired nutritional status (weight loss >10%, BMI <18.5 or hypoalbuminemia).

Among malnourished patients, 65% showed poor tolerance to treatment, characterized by severe fatigue (40%), major digestive disorders (28%), and treatment interruptions or adaptations in 30% of cases.

In comparison, in patients with good nutritional status, side effects were less marked, and only 10% required modification of the treatment protocol.

Conclusion: This study highlights the significant impact of nutritional status on treatment tolerance. Malnourished patients experience more side effects and are at greater risk of having to interrupt or adapt their treatment protocol. Early nutritional assessment and appropriate follow-up are therefore essential to optimize management and improve treatment outcomes.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared