Malnutrition evaluation in head and neck cancer patients: Practice patterns among otolaryngologists and radiation oncologists

Abstract

Background Physician practice patterns regarding diagnosis and management of malnutrition in the head and neck cancer patient population are not well studied. Methods A 17‐question survey was distributed to 1392 members of the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS). The impact of hospital type, fellowship training, experience, and specialty was assessed. Results Among AHNS members, there were 124 total respondents (9% response rate), including both otolaryngologists and radiation oncologists. Respondents strongly agreed (90%) that malnutrition negatively impacts patient outcomes. The majority (63%) felt comfortable screening for malnutrition, but 13% reported no routine assessment of malnutrition; 57% were unfamiliar with relevant guidelines. Barriers to screening included lack of familiarity with screening tools/guidelines, lack of time, and lack of access to dietitian. Conclusion Although there was a strong consensus among respondents that the identification and management of malnutrition among head and neck cancer patients is critical, familiarity with relevant guidelines was poor.

Validation of the efficacy of the NUTRISCORE for the nutritional screening of cancer patients in China

“…Globally, the incidence and mortality of cancer patients have significantly increased. In general, cancer patients have a hypermetabolic state, increased energy consumption, skeletal muscle depletion, and weight loss [17][18][19]. The oropharynx malignant tumors could decrease the ability to chew or swallow [20] and the gastrointestinal cancer could cause mechanical obstruction [21,22].…”