Nutritional consequences of radiotherapy in early laryngeal carcinoma

In treating patients with malignant head and neck disease, radiotherapy may compromise their oral intake and, thus, their nutritional status. This study aimed to assess a subgroup of patients who received small field radiotherapy, where their early primary tumour itself would not be expected to affect swallowing and where significant nutritional problems are not traditionally identified. A retrospective analysis of hospital records was undertaken on 61 patients, treated for T1 and T2 N0 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma with primary radical radiotherapy over a three year period (1993-1995 inclusive). At presentation, 97% had their weight and height recorded, enabling calculation of their body mass index (BMI); 13% presented with a BMI < 20 kg/m2 and the 26% of patients who complained of weight loss at presentation had a mean percentage weight loss of 5.35%. During treatment, 79% of patients had their weight recorded and 49% had a documented mean percentage weight loss of 6.4%. The mean BMI at the end of treatment was significantly lower than at presentation (P = 0.03). These effects occurred despite 80% of patients having at least one dietetic consultation (mean 3.5 consults), and 75% having received high protein/high calorie supplementation. The percentage weight loss during treatment correlated significantly with the gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT) level at presentation. The biochemical markers, haemoglobin and albumin, were normal in the great majority at presentation and fell non-specifically during treatment in 82% and 56% of patients, respectively. We conclude that significant numbers of patients with early laryngeal malignancy are undernourished at presentation and, despite dietetic support, endure considerable nutritional problems during radiotherapy. Attention to nutritional issues is mandatory even in this group of patients previously considered to be less at risk because of the site and early stage of their disease.