The Association Between Muscle Health and Quality of Life in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: A Systematic Review

Background Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are at risk of impaired muscle health due to metabolic disturbances, reduced nutritional intake, and treatment‐related toxicities. Because muscle health supports physical capacity and independence, its decline may affect quality of life (QoL). This systematic review examined the association between muscle health and QoL in patients with HNC. Methods Studies were included if they involved patients with HNC, used validated muscle health and QoL measures, and examined their association. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality In Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. Results Thirteen studies were included. Poorer muscle health was associated with lower global QoL, poorer physical and role functioning, greater fatigue, swallowing difficulties, restricted mouth opening, social eating problems, and salivary toxicities. Methodological limitations and heterogeneity precluded meta‐analysis. Conclusions Poorer muscle health was associated with worse QoL in patients with HNC, although this evidence does not establish causality. Prospective studies using standardized measures are needed.