Baseline weight recovery and mortality risk in head and neck cancer.
Amanda J BastienLuv AminMissael VasquezIris CongMichael LuuMeghan LaszloSaori YenHeather ThompsonElana L TeitelbaumJulie K JangAlain C MitaKevin S ScherJustin MoyersJon Mallen-St ClairEvan S WalgamaZachary S ZumstegAllen S HoPublished in: Head & neck (2024)
A high proportion of patients with HNC fail to recover baseline weight after treatment; those that do can take longer than expected to return. Failure to recover baseline weight is associated with a notable decrease in survival. Similarly, SLP and nutrition consultation are independent, modifiable determinants correlated with outcomes, supporting the emphasis on multidisciplinary management. Measures to promote BWR may reduce mortality.