DAHANCA 25A: Resistance Training and Dietary Supplements as Intervention for Regaining Muscle Mass Following Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

A Randomized Trial Evaluating Resistance Training and Dietary Supplements as Intervention for Regaining Muscle Mass Following Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether resistance training in combination with dietary supplementation is tolerable among head and neck cancer patients and to evaluate the possible effect on muscle mass, strength and functional capacity.

Head and neck cancer patients experience a significant loss of muscle mass following radiotherapy treatment due to cachexia and dysphagia. This negatively affects muscle strength and functional capacity.

Studies on healthy individuals and various groups of patients show that resistance training in combination with protein and creatine ingestion is an effective means of increasing muscle mass, strength and functional capacity.

Thus the aim is to investigate the following:

• is resistance training and dietary supplements tolerable among head and neck cancer patients
• the effect of the intervention on muscle mass, strength and functional capacity

Inclusion Criteria:

• head and neck cancer patients (localized to the larynx, pharynx and oral cavity) treated with curative radiotherapy
• complete loss of tumor
• WHO performance status between 0-1 and expected ability to complete the training protocol
• No parenteral feeding
• above the age of 18
• written concent

Exclusion Criteria:

• other malignant diseases
• pregnancy
• undergoing systematic resistance training or creatin ingestion
• Alcohol abuse