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Nutritional support and prognosis in patients with head and neck cancer
Author(s) -
Lopez Marvin J.,
Robinson Pat,
Madden Tim,
Highbarger Toni
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
journal of surgical oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.201
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1096-9098
pISSN - 0022-4790
DOI - 10.1002/jso.2930550110
Subject(s) - medicine , head and neck , head and neck cancer , cancer , general surgery , oncology , surgery
We retrospectively studied the relationship between nutritional status as indicated by the presence or absence of the cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity response and treatment‐related morbidity, disease recurrence, and survival at 2 years in 67 consecutive patients with head and neck carcinoma. Serial nutritional assessments were conducted throughout the course of combined initial antineoplastic treatment and nutritional support. The presence of cell‐mediated immunity at the end of treatment was associated with a 2‐year survival rate of 100%, whereas patients who were anergic at the end of treatment had a 2‐year survival rate of 48% ( P < 0.01). Morbidity due to surgical therapy and tumor recurrence rates were also higher in the anergic group ( P < 0.01). Prognosis in head and neck cancer is based on many factors, but vigorous nutritional support during initial treatment may have some effect on morbidity, tumor recurrence, and survival time. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.