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A descriptive review of the factors contributing to nutritional compromise in patients with head and neck cancer

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Abstract

Introduction

Malnutrition has been known to be associated with adverse outcomes in cancer patients. Patients who have been and/or are being treated for head and neck cancer have a compromised nutritional status. Nutritional deficits have a significant impact on mortality, morbidity, and quality of life.

Discussion

The wasting in cancer cachexia involves loss of muscle and fat and reflects a catabolic metabolism induced by an abnormal host response to tumor presence and/or tumor factors. Disturbances of various physiological functions like taste, smell, dysphagia, xerostomia apart from cachexia can contribute to long-term nutritional complications and outcome.

Conclusion

Improved management of patients in posttreatment for head and neck cancer may require a multimodal approach by a multidisciplinary team and is best commenced earlier in the trajectory of the disease.

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  1. Gerald Bronfman Center for Clinical Research in Oncology, McGill University, 546 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Quebec, H2W 1S6, Canada

    Martin R. Chasen & Ravi Bhargava

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  1. Martin R. Chasen
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  2. Ravi Bhargava
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Correspondence to Martin R. Chasen.

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Chasen, M.R., Bhargava, R. A descriptive review of the factors contributing to nutritional compromise in patients with head and neck cancer. Support Care Cancer 17, 1345–1351 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-009-0684-5

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