Prolonged Versus Short-Duration Use of Nasogastric Tubes in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer During Radiotherapy Alone or Combined Chemoradiotherapy.

Prolonged Versus Short-Duration Use of Nasogastric Tubes in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer During Radiotherapy Alone or Combined Chemoradiotherapy. Nutr Cancer. 2018 Oct 01;:1-6 Authors: Espeli V, Vergotte S, Dietrich PY, Pichard C, Siano M Abstract To compare safety and effectiveness of prolonged (>28 days) versus short duration (≤28 days) use of nasogastric tube for enteral nutrition and weight loss prevention during curative radiotherapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy or cetuximab for head and neck cancer patients. We performed a retrospective study and database review of all patients at our center, treated with radiotherapy for head and neck cancer receiving enteral nutrition by nasogastric tube. Type of treatment, weight and body mass index changes, and related complications (gastroesophageal reflux, pneumonia, ulcer, feeding tube obstruction, or dislocation) were documented. Comparison between patients with prolonged (>28 days, group A) and short duration (≤28 days, group B) of EN through nasogastric tube was performed. Data expressed as mean ± SD or median (min; max) values as appropriate, and analyzed by ANOVA repeated measures and Kaplan-Meier estimates. We identified 114 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Among them, 10% were treated with radiotherapy alone, while 90% received concurrent chemotherapy or cetuximab. Ninety-four patients (82%, group A) had a nasogastric tube in place for...
Source: Nutrition and Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Nutr Cancer Source Type: research