1007 - Efficacy of Quantitative Targeted Exercise Combined with Full-Scale Refined Nutrition Management for Improving Nutrition in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Receiving Radiotherapy - A Randomized Con

J. Shi¹, X. Long², M. Cheng², Y. Yin³, J. Zang⁴, and L. N. Zhao²; ¹Department of Radiation Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University., Xian, ShanXi, China, ²Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xian, China, ³Department of Radiation Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China, ⁴Department of Radiation Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xian, China

Purpose/Objective(s): The incidence of malnutrition is approximately 88% in patients with head and neck receiving radiotherapy. Malnutrition may increase the occurrence of radiation-related adverse effects, decrease the treatment effectiveness of radiotherapy, and negatively impact the quality of life . This study aims to explore the efficacy of quantitative targeted exercise combined with full-scale refined nutrition management for improving nutrition in patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy Materials/

Methods: Eighty patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy were randomly divided into two groups: a full-scale refined nutrition management (FRNM) group and a quantitative targeted exercise combined with FRNM (QE-FRNM) group at a ratio of 1:1. Before radiotherapy, the energy ratio of all patients were calculated for implemented FRNM and diet guide. Patients in the QE-FRNM group received FRNM combined with a 6-week quantitative target exercise program (aerobic exercise or elastic band resistance exercise). This program was developed as a personalized plan based on the patients mobility, as discussed by the team. It was scheduled for 5 times a week, lasting 15 minutes each session. The primary endpoint was the BIM value after one month of radiotherapy. The secondary endpoints included the level of albumin and hemoglobin, the grade of radiation-induced oral mucositis, psychological state and quality of life (Qol). This study was registered with the China Clinical Trial Center (registration number: ChiCTR2300071214).
Results: The baseline characteristics in two groups were well balance. Patients in QE-FRNM group had better BMI than these in FRNM group (19.24±3.64 vs. 17.44±3.71, p=0.032). Patients in QE-FRNM group had higher levels of Alb and Hb than these in FRNM group (Alb: 42.65±4.07 g/L vs.36.41±3.29 g/L, p</i>=0.001; Hb: 132.94±10.06 g/L vs.105.39±9.85 g/L, p=0.000). The incidence of grade 3-4 radiation-induced oral mucositis was significantly lower in QE-FRNM group compared with FRNM group (30% vs. 52%, p=0.024). The SAS anxiety scores after radiotherapy were significantly lower in patients receiving QE-FRNM compared with patients receiving FRNM (38.35±1.25 vs. 47.56 ±1.62, p=0.002). QE-FRNM significantly improved Qol compared to FRNM for patients receiving radiotherapy (9.61±0.4 vs. 8.63±0.27, p=0.000).
Conclusion: Quantitative target exercise combined with full-course refined nutrition management could improve the nutritional status, reduce the incidence of oral mucositis, relieve the anxiety and improve the Qol for patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy.