The importance of proper nutrition in different patient populations with undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (UCNT)

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Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a malignant disease frequently associated with significant nutritional disturbances during the course of the disease and oncological treatment. Histological types include keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma and non-keratinizing carcinoma (differentiated and undifferentiated types). Among these, undifferentiated carcinoma of nasopharyngeal type (UCNT) is the most common histological form and is characterized by specific etiological factors, including Epstein–Barr virus infection, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors. Patients with UCNT are at increased risk of developing malnutrition due to metabolic alterations caused by malignancy, as well as treatment-related adverse effects such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. These effects include dysphagia, mucositis, xerostomia, and loss of appetite, leading to reduced food intake and weight loss. Numerous studies indicate that nutritional status significantly affects disease course, treatment tolerance, and quality of life. Timely nutritional assessment and individualized nutritional therapy can improve clinical outcomes and reduce complication rates during treatment. The aim of this paper is to highlight the importance of proper nutrition in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, with special emphasis on UCNT, and to underline the role of nutritional therapy in improving treatment outcomes across different age groups.