Managing Cachexia in Head and Neck Cancer: a Systematic Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nutrition Science
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients face functional deficits impacting eating, breathing, and speech.
• These deficits lead to weight loss, malnutrition, and fatigue, potentially causing cancer cachexia syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine current treatment strategies for cachexia in head and neck cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search conducted across major scientific databases (OvidMedline, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science).

Main Results:

• Nine studies identified interventions including nutritional (dietary counseling, supplements, enteral/parenteral nutrition), pharmacologic (appetite stimulants), and therapeutic exercise.
• Multimodal approaches combining these strategies are suggested.

Conclusions:

• Cachexia management in HNC requires a multi-interventional approach.
• Early implementation of interventions can enhance survival and quality of life for HNC patients with cachexia.