Effects of Perioperative Immunonutrition in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

A Randomized Clinical Trial With Perioperative Immunonutrition Support on Anthropometric, Clinical and Biochemical Parameters of Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Surgery

A prospective randomized controlled study compared the effects of perioperative immunonutrition and standard enteral nutrition (EN) on postoperative short-term outcomes of patients with head and neck (HNC).

Five days before surgery and the postoperative day 10, immunonutrition support was given to the intervention group (n=17), and standard EN support was given to the control group (n=17). Body analyses were made, food consumption records were taken, NRS-2002 and quality of life scales were applied, and biochemical parameters were recorded.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx or hypopharynx who will undergo surgery,
• who agree to receive standard EN or immunonutrition before surgery,
• those between the ages of 18-75,
• those with normal hematopoietic (absolute neutrophil count >1.8x109/L, hemoglobin level ≥9 g/dL) hepatic and renal function

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy to the head and neck region;
• Received EN support before the study
• have an active infection, any autoimmune, renal or hepatic disease, malabsorption, type 1 diabetes or mental illness
• taking vitamin-mineral supplements and immunosuppressive treatment,
• Morbidly obese (BMI ≥40 kg/m2), HIV positive, pregnant and breastfeeding individuals