Nursing care and nutritional status in head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate factors affecting nutrition and weight loss in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing radiotherapy (RT) and investigate the effect of nurse-led support on symptom management.

METHODS

Fifty patients with histologically confirmed HNC receiving definitive or postoperative RT were prospectively enrolled and monitored by a clinical nurse throughout treatment and follow-up (study group). Nutritional intake and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) were recorded. A control group of 45 matched patients without nurse follow-up was recruited for comparison.

RESULTS

At treatment completion, the study group had a mean weight loss of 3.0 kg (4.35%) vs 5.2 kg (6.9%) in the control group (p=0.03). Moderate dysphagia occurred in 42% of the study group and 62% of the control group (p=0.04). Grade 3 toxicities were 10% more frequent in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Nurse-led follow-up significantly improved nutritional outcomes and reduced treatment-related side effects in patients with HNC. These results highlight the value of nursing care in supporting treatment adherence and enhancing multidisciplinary cancer care.