A dynamic online nomogram for predicting nutritional risk in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients after radiotherapy.

PURPOSE

Malnutrition is a prevalent and detrimental complication in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) undergoing radiotherapy. Early identification and intervention are crucial for optimizing outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from 383 patients with NPC who underwent radiotherapy. We employed logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors for malnutrition and developed a nomogram for its prediction. The nomogram was internally and externally validated using bootstrap methods and calibration curves.

RESULTS

Body mass index (BMI), chemotherapy cycles, central venous catheter (CVC), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were identified as independent risk factors for malnutrition. The nomogram demonstrated good discriminatory ability (AUC: 0.786 in the training set, 0.687 in the validation set) and clinical utility, with high net benefit in decision curve analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

This nomogram offers a practical tool for predicting nutritional risk in patients with NPC undergoing radiotherapy. Its application can facilitate early identification of at-risk patients and guide targeted interventions to improve clinical outcomes.