Sarcopenia, a strong determinant for prolonged feeding tube dependency after chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Issue 11 (31st August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Karsten, Rebecca T.; Al‐Mamgani, Abrahim; Bril, Sandra I.; Tjon‐A‐Joe, Sheena; van der Molen, Lisette; de Boer, Jan P.; Hilgers, Frans J. M.; Smeele, Ludi E.; van den Brekel, Michiel W. M.; Stuiver, Martijn M.
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 41:Issue 11(2019)
• Page Start: 4000
• Page End: 4008
• Publication Date: 2019-08-31
• Subjects: chemoradiotherapy -- head and neck cancer -- sarcopenia -- skeletal muscle mass -- tube feeding; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.25938
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Sarcopenia might be a relevant lead for optimization of the condition of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) before chemoradiotherapy (CRT) to prevent long‐term functional swallowing impairment, such as feeding tube dependency. Methods: Regression analyses were performed to assess the association between skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), as a measure of sarcopenia, and prolonged (>90 days) feeding tube dependency in 128 patients with HNC treated with primary CRT. Results: Sixty‐one patients (48%) became prolonged feeding tube‐dependent. Lower SMI increased the risk of prolonged feeding tube dependency in multivariable analysis (risk ratio 1.08; 95% confidence interval 1.02‐1.14, P = .01) adjusted for body mass index, abnormal diet, and socioeconomic status. Conclusions: Sarcopenia contributes to the risk of prolonged feeding tube dependency of patients with HNC treated with primary CRT. As sarcopenia might be a modifiable factor prior to treatment, it should be explored as a target for pretreatment patients' condition.