Nutritional Status of Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Launched by MARMARA UNIVERSITY · Jul 7, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how the nutrition and overall health of people with head and neck cancer change while they are receiving radiotherapy treatment. The researchers will regularly check things like body weight, muscle strength (using a handgrip test), food intake, quality of life, and any side effects from treatment. They will also look at measurements such as height, waist size, blood tests, and answers to nutrition-related questionnaires. The goal is to spot any early signs of nutritional problems so that appropriate help can be provided quickly, which may improve patients’ well-being during their cancer treatment.

People who might be eligible to join this study are adults aged 18 or older who have been diagnosed with head and neck cancer and are receiving radiotherapy at a specific hospital in Turkey. Participants need to be able to communicate and cooperate during the study and agree to take part by signing a consent form. Some people, such as those with certain medical devices, severe physical or cognitive issues, or those receiving nutrition through a vein, may not be able to participate. If you join, you can expect regular check-ups and assessments to carefully monitor your nutritional health throughout your treatment. This trial aims to better understand the nutrition challenges faced during radiotherapy and how to support patients more effectively.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients aged 18 years and older
• • Diagnosed with head and neck cancer
• • Receiving radiotherapy at Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital, Radiation Oncology Clinic
• • Willing to participate and able to provide written informed consent
• • Able to communicate and cooperate during assessments
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients for whom BIA measurement is not possible (e.g., caffeine intake within the last 4 hours, alcohol use in the last 24 hours, intense physical activity in the last 24-48 hours, menstruation, presence of pacemaker or metal implants)
• • Patients with communication barriers or cognitive impairments
• • Amputees or individuals with severe upper extremity deformities
• • Patients with neuromuscular disorders, hemiplegia, rheumatoid arthritis, or moderate/severe neurological or cognitive impairment
• • Patients receiving parenteral nutrition