Improving nutritional status in head and neck cancer patients : a clinical guideline -

Abstract

Head and neck cancer patients are among the most susceptible groups of cancer patients to suffer from inadequate oral intake resulting in malnutrition. Two major factors play a role in the studied consequence; they are the tumor location at first and then the type of treatment received. Despite the significance of the problem, there is no standardized intervention plan for these patients due to the limited empirical evidence. The aim of the project was to develop a protocol for the nutritional assessment and treatment of head and neck cancer patients. The literature was reviewed for the major oral complications (oral mucositis, dysphagia and trismus) that head and neck cancer patients suffer from during their diagnostic and treatment phases and their impact on nutritional status, as well as assessment tools that are used and treatment modalities. Then, the proposed nutritional guideline focuses on early screening, detection and prophylactic treatment in order to preserve the patient nutritional health. In addition, the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) is selected for malnutrition assessment. Then an algorithm for treatment is based on the MUST score. This project will be submitted later on to the Radiation Oncology Department at the American University of Beirut for possible adoption. An implementation and evaluation plans are descr5ibed, with delineation of the roles of health professionals from various disciplines who will be involved in the guideline.