Individualized Whole Course Nutrition Management for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) is the most common toxicity associated with radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Patients with RIOM become malnourished, which can affect the delivery and dose of radiotherapy. The value of personalizing nutrition recommendations for cancer prevention and management is increasingly recognized. To investigate the effect of individualized whole course nutrition management on nutritional status and the incidence and severity of RIOM in NPCs.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 77 patients who were provided individualized whole course nutrition management during radiotherapy (RT) and a 1-month follow-up. Seventy-one patients were included in the control group.

RESULTS

During radiotherapy, severity of RIOM was significantly lower in the intervention group. There were statistically significant differences in oral mucosa recovery time and nutritional status between the two groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Individualized whole course nutrition management had the potential to maintain nutritional status and decrease the adverse effects of radiotherapy in NPCs.