Effect of an Oral Supplement on the Total Energy and Protein Intake of Head and Neck Cancer Patients in the Last 2 Weeks of Radiation Therapy

Efficacy of an Oral Nutrition Supplement on the Total Caloric and Protein Intake of Head and Neck Cancer Patients During the Last 2 Weeks of Radiation Therapy

In this study, an oral nutrition supplement has been developed that take into consideration: the nutritional requirements, treatment side-effects and taste preferences of head and neck cancer patients; the acceptance of a supplement when experiencing radiation therapy side-effects; and the taste preferences of head and neck cancer patients which may affect the supplement intake. We hope to increase dietary intake during the last 2 weeks of radiation therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years or older
• diagnosed with head and neck cancer including the lip, oral cavity, salivary glands, paranasal sinuses, oropharynx, nasopharynx, hypopharynx, larynx and thyroid.
• all histologic types of cancer
• all tumour stages according to American Joint Committee for Cancer (AJCC) Staging
• all forms of RT including standard or investigational for head and neck cancers
• alert and mentally competent
• English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

• an allergy or intolerance to any of the substances used in the nutrition supplement
• Type I or II diabetes mellitus
• renal insufficiency
• unable to swallow
• additional criteria of all forms of chemotherapy standard or investigational or combination of radiation/chemotherapy standard or investigational for head and neck cancers