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Radiotherapy-Induced Weight Loss and Malnutrition in Head and Neck Cancer: A Prospective Observational Study
Shebin George1, Simran Kaur2, Abraham P Abraham2
1Medical Oncology, Smita Memorial Hospital and Research Center, Thodupuzha, IND.
Cureus
|July 30, 2026
Summary
Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer causes universal malnutrition and significant weight loss, varying by tumor site. Early nutritional support is crucial, especially for oropharynx and larynx/hypopharynx cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nutrition Science
- Radiotherapy
Background:
- Head and neck cancers pose a major global health challenge.
- Radiotherapy is a primary treatment, but causes significant nutritional issues impacting patient outcomes.
- Understanding these nutritional complications is vital for improving patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effects of radiation therapy on the nutritional status of head and neck cancer patients.
- To investigate the link between treatment-induced weight loss and clinical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study of 83 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients over 18 months.
- Nutritional status assessed via anthropometry and Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) at multiple time points.
- Statistical analysis using SPSS v21.0.
Main Results:
- High baseline malnutrition (78.31%) escalated to 100% during treatment.
- Critical weight loss (>5%) affected 90.36% of patients, with variations by primary tumor site (p=0.029).
- Larynx/hypopharynx and oropharynx cancers showed universal weight loss; oral cavity cancers showed 82% weight loss. Treatment volume correlated with weight loss (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Radiotherapy invariably leads to malnutrition in head and neck cancer patients.
- Significant variations in weight loss exist based on anatomical tumor location.
- Proactive nutritional interventions are essential, particularly for larynx/hypopharynx and oropharynx cancer patients.
