Radiotherapy-Induced Weight Loss and Malnutrition in Head and Neck Cancer: A Prospective Observational Study

Background Head and neck cancers represent a significant global health burden, with radiotherapy being a cornerstone treatment modality. However, treatment-related nutritional complications significantly impact patient outcomes and quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of radiation therapy on nutritional status and explore the relationship between treatment-induced weight loss and clinical outcomes in head and neck cancer patients undergoing definitive or adjuvant radiotherapy. Methodology A prospective observational study was conducted over 18 months (September 2015 to March 2017) involving 83 patients with histopathologically confirmed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma receiving radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy at a tertiary care center. Nutritional assessment was performed using anthropometric measurements and Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) at baseline, week three, treatment completion, and six weeks post-treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.0. Results The study population had a mean age of 57 years with a male predominance (81.93%). The oral cavity was the most common primary site (43.37%). Baseline malnutrition prevalence was 78.31%, increasing to 100% during treatment. Critical weight loss (>5%) occurred in 90.36% of patients, with significant site-specific variations (p = 0.029). Universal weight loss was observed in larynx/hypopharynx and oropharynx patients compared to 82% in oral cavity cancers. Treatment volume correlated significantly with weight loss at weeks 5, 6, and 12 (p < 0.05). Conclusions Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer results in universal malnutrition with significant anatomical site-specific variations. Proactive nutritional intervention strategies are essential, particularly for patients with larynx/hypopharynx and oropharynx primaries.