Malnutrition assessment in patients with cancers of the head and neck: a call to action and consensus

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2013 Nov;88(2):459-76. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2013.06.003. Epub 2013 Jul 4.

Abstract

Purpose of research: A state of the science review to assess how nutritional status and malnutrition are defined by the community of researchers studying head & neck cancer (HNC) patients.

Principal results: In 117 publications, nutritional status was described diversely, ranging from merely one to all six of the following features: weight loss, body composition, quantity/type of food intake, symptoms impacting oral intake, inflammation and altered metabolism. Methods of assessment of each feature were inconsistent. Cancer- and treatment-related symptoms impacting oral intake were a prominent theme. Metabolic changes potentially related to weight loss and efficacy of nutritional therapy were rarely described (<15% of articles). There were 24 different explicit definitions for malnutrition.

Conclusion: Consensus is needed regarding the criteria to adequately describe HNC-associated malnutrition. Standardization of assessments will permit aggregation of data, and integration into clinical practice-specifically, development of consensus criteria for implementation and termination of nutrition therapies.

Keywords: Assessment; Cachexia; Head and neck cancer; Malnutrition; Nutrition; Nutrition support.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Body Composition
  • Diet
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / complications*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Humans
  • Malnutrition / diagnosis*
  • Malnutrition / etiology*
  • Malnutrition / therapy
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Nutrition Assessment
  • Nutrition Therapy
  • Nutritional Status
  • Weight Loss