Progression of nutritional impact symptoms in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy

Objectives: To analyze the presence of nutritional impact symptoms (NIS) throughout radiotherapy treatment in the head and neck, thorax, abdomen, and pelvis areas.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted with individuals undergoing radiotherapy for cancer. Three assessments were carried out: at the start of radiotherapy, midway through, and in the last week of treatment. Clinical, anthropometric data, and the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) were used to assess symptoms.

Results: A total of 254 participants were evaluated at the start, 165 at the midpoint, and 120 at the end of the treatment. More than half of the participants at all stages were elderly. At the start, 51.6% were women, while at the end, 57.5% were men. Pelvic tumors were the most common, followed by tumors in the head and neck and thorax. The prevalence of NIS increased from 58.2% at the beginning to 76.9% at the midpoint (RR 1.32; 95% CI 1.17-1.48; p = < 0.001) and 78.3% at the end of treatment (RR 1.34; 95% CI 1.18-1.52; p = < 0.001). Odynophagia was the most reported symptom among patients with head and neck tumors, increasing from 24.5 to 66.6%, and from 3.0 to 22.2% by the end of treatment in patients with thoracic tumors. Diarrhea was common at the end of treatment among those with abdominal (69.2%) and pelvic (35.8%) tumors.

Conclusion: NIS increased during radiotherapy. The location of tumors influences symptom prevalence, highlighting the need for continuous nutritional support.