Exploration of risk factors for weight loss in head and neck cancer patients

What is it about?

The article reports on a retrospective cohort study which evaluated weight loss and identified predictive factors for patients with head and neck cancer. Patients on average lost 5 kg (6%), 24 patients out of the 40 studied lost >5% of their starting body weight. The results showed that Age, T-stage,N-stage, chemotherapy and starting body weight were individually associated with significant differences in weight loss.

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Why is it important?

Multiple linear regression analysis illustrated, age and nodal status were predictive factors of weight loss therefore demonstrating younger patients and those with nodal disease were most at risk of weight loss. Consideration needs to be given to these patient groups to ensure sufficient dietetic and psychosocial support is in place during their treatment pathway.