Not All Weight Loss Is Equal: Divergent Patterns and Prognostic Roles in Head and Neck Cancer Versus High-Grade...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nutritional Science
• Cancer Survivorship

Background:

• Malnutrition and unintended weight loss are prevalent in cancer patients, correlating with poorer prognoses.
• Limited data exists on long-term weight trajectories across different cancer types.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare long-term weight trajectories and systemic inflammation markers in head and neck cancer (HNC) and high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBCL) patients.
• To identify prognostic indicators for survival in HGBCL patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, multicenter analysis of 145 patients (48 HNC, 97 HGBCL).
• Assessment of body weight, C-reactive protein (CrP), albumin, and modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) at baseline and 3, 6, 9, 12 months.
• Definition of clinically relevant weight loss as >5% from baseline; survival analyses for HGBCL.

Main Results:

• Weight loss was common (32.2% at 3 months, 42.3% at 12 months).
• HNC patients experienced sustained weight loss (>5% at 1 year) more frequently than HGBCL patients.
• HGBCL patients showed higher rates of weight gain at 6 and 12 months, with baseline elevated CrP and lower albumin compared to HNC.
• Weight loss at 6 months significantly predicted reduced overall survival in HGBCL (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• Distinct patterns of weight change and inflammation exist between HNC and HGBCL patients in the first year post-diagnosis.
• Findings underscore the necessity for cancer-type-specific nutritional monitoring and supportive care.
• Future research should incorporate body composition analysis for improved long-term management strategies.