1Xiangya School of Nursing Central South University Changsha 410013 Hunan China
2
School of Nursing and Rehabilitation
Nantong University Nantong 226019 Jiangsu China
3
Teaching and Research Section of Clinical Nursing Clinical Nursing Teaching
and Research Section Xiangya Hospital Central South University Changsha 410008 Hunan China
Abstract:Objective To investigate the trend of critical weight loss during radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients and to
analyze its influencing factors. Method A historical cohort study design was used. Head and neck cancer patients treated with
radiotherapy in Xiangya Hospital Central South University were enrolled for the research from September 2021 to October 2023. A
self-developed data collection tool was used to collect information about the study subjects before radiotherapy T0
at week 1 T1
week 2 T2
week 3 T3
week 4 T4
week 5 T5
and week 6 T6
after the start of radiotherapy. Factors influencing the
trajectory of critical weight loss were analyzed using generalized estimated equation. Result A total of 575 head and neck cancer
patients were included in this study and the incidence of critical weight loss was 1. 22% 6. 43% 14. 61% 24. 87% 37. 39% and
52. 52% at T1
T2
T3
T4
T5
and T6
respectively. The generalized estimated equation analysis revealed that clinical stage with
stageⅠ as reference ORⅡ = 3. 685、 ORⅢ = 3. 520、 ORⅣ = 3. 792 baseline BMI with BMI < 18. 5 kg / m
2
as reference
OR24. 0~ 28. 0 kg / m
2 = 2. 832、OR≥28. 0 kg / m
2 = 3. 481 and albumin level OR = 0. 943 were significant predictors P< 0. 05 for critical
weight loss trajectories during radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients. Conclusion The incidence of critical weight loss in head
and neck cancer patients is on the rise with the prolongation of radiotherapy cycles. Healthcare professionals should dynamically monitor
weight changes in head and neck cancer patients during radiotherapy with prioritized implementation of multi - level nutritional
interventions for patients with advanced-stage disease high BMI or low albumin levels to reduce the incidence of malnutrition.
1刘美子,1高 菲,3吴子童,2安 然,3陈文凤. 头颈部肿瘤患者放射治疗期间严重体重丢失变化轨迹
及影响因素分析[J]. 肿瘤代谢与营养电子杂志, 2025, 12(5): 616-624.
1Liu Meizi,1Gao Fei,3Wu Zitong,2An Ran,3Chen Wenfeng. Analysis of the trajectory of critical weight loss changes and influencing factors in head and neck cancer patients
during radiotherapy. Electron J Metab Nutr Cancer, 2025, 12(5): 616-624.