Impact of Nutrition and Swallowing Function of Head and Neck Cancer Patients During the Course of Treatment

Weight loss resulting from poor food intake is common in head and neck cancer patients. Currently, feeding tubes are placed before starting treatment to provide nutrition and prevent weight loss. However, studies have not always shown that feeding tubes prevent weight loss. Also, limiting food intake by mouth may lead to swallowing problems. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of diet and swallowing therapy with feeding tube placement. In this study, your weight, food intake, swallowing ability, and side-effects of treatment will be monitored before, during, and 3 and 6 months after treatment to see if there is any difference between the therapy groups. The investigators hope that with the addition of diet and swallowing therapy during treatment that we can improve food intake and swallowing ability while still maintaining weight.

Sex

All

Minimum age

18 Years

* Inclusion criteria are:

  * ≥ 18 years of age;
  * diagnosed with HN cancer to sites of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx;
  * all histologic types of cancer;
  * advanced tumour stages;
  * all forms of RT including standard or investigational for HNC;
  * all forms of CT including standard or investigational for HNC;
  * alert and mentally competent;
  * English-speaking.

Exclusion criteria are:

* unable to have safe swallow following surgery;
* allergy or intolerance to any enteral nutritional supplements in current use;
* renal insufficiency