Cachexia and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A scoping review

Area of Science:

• Oral Health
• Oncology
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Cachexia is a complex metabolic syndrome associated with inflammation and negative energy balance.
• It significantly impacts patients with advanced cancers, particularly head and neck malignancies.
• Oral health care providers play a crucial role in identifying and managing cachexia in this patient population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and understand cachexia in the context of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
• To explore the clinical presentation, etiology, and management of cachexia relevant to oral health.
• To enhance the understanding for oral health care professionals regarding cachexia in OSCC patients.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review methodology was employed.
• Searches were conducted in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases (2000-2023).
• Inclusion criteria focused on head and neck/oral squamous cell carcinoma and cachexia in human studies.

Main Results:

• Cachexia is a frequent complication in advanced head and neck cancers.
• Multiple mechanisms, including tumor-induced factors, contribute to cachexia.
• These mechanisms lead to reduced nutritional intake, increased metabolism, and loss of muscle and fat tissue.

Conclusions:

• Cachexia in head and neck cancer is driven by complex, tumor-related factors.
• Interventions can improve quality of life and survival duration.
• However, cachexia diagnosis in OSCC remains a marker of poor life expectancy.