Predictors for Weight Loss in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Systematic Review

Head and neck cancer patients are at high risk of weight loss because of their disease process and the treatment of their disease. Recognition of predictors for weight loss may be able to give proactive or reactive nutritional treatment to patients at risk.

The aim of this study is to identify the independent risk factors for head and neck cancer patients developing weight loss undergoing radiotherapy.

A comprehensive literature search was performed on January 2014. Articles reporting studies of the predictors for weight loss in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy were included. These studies were published between 1982 and 2014. Study quality was assessed using a modified quality assessment tool that was designed previously for an observational study. The effects of studies were combined with the study quality score using a best-evidence synthesis model.

Twenty-two observational studies involving 6159 patients were included. There was strong evidence for 3 predictors, including advanced tumor stage, a higher body mass index before treatment, and the use of concurrent chemoradiotherapy. We also identified 8 moderate evidence predictors and 30 limited evidence predictors.

The scientific literature to date indicates that patients with advanced tumor stage, or a higher body mass index before treatment, or the use of concurrent chemotherapy are at high risk to have weight loss during radiotherapy.

These data provide evidence to guide healthcare professionals in admitting patients who will have weight loss and choosing an optimal prophylactic strategy.