Expert consensus on nutrition support therapy for head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is the most commonly used treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC). Due to the metabolic abnormalities of malignant tumors and acute and advanced-stage toxic events, the incidence of malnutrition in HNC patients is high up to 44%-88%, and 20%-40% for severe malnutrition. The treatment tolerance and sensitivity will be reduced and the risk of complications will be elevated once patients present with malnutrition, which prolong the length of hospital stay, increase the medical expanse and eventually affect the clinical efficacy. Consequently, nutrition support therapy is a pivotal part of clinical treatment for HNC patients. In order to deliver reasonable and effective nutrition support therapy for HNC patients, it is of high necessity to establish expert consensus on nutrition support therapy for HNC patients in China according to the current situation of cancer radiotherapy and nutrition treatment in China and relevant guidelines at home and abroad. Key words: Head and neck neoplasm/radiotherapy; Malnutrition; Head and neck neoplasm/nutrition support therapy; Consensus