Patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal head and neck cancer have higher rates of weight loss and increased supportive needs

Teresa E Brown

doi:10.1002/jmrs.360

Patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal head and neck cancer have higher rates of weight loss and increased supportive needs

J Med Radiat Sci. 2019 Dec;66(4):226-228. doi: 10.1002/jmrs.360.

Author

Teresa E Brown^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
² School of Human Movement & Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.

Abstract

This editorial discusses the new evidence coming to light that patients with HPV‐associated head and neck cancer are at increased risk of nutritional decline during treatment, with increased weight loss and higher need for tube feeding. Due to the anticipated epidemic of this particular disease, there is an ongoing need for research to ensure nutrition care outcomes and supportive care needs are optimised in this sub group, which will improve clinical outcomes and enhance patient quality of life.

Publication types

Editorial

MeSH terms

Head and Neck Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
Head and Neck Neoplasms / virology*
Humans
Palliative Care
Papillomaviridae / physiology*
Risk
Weight Loss* / radiation effects