Monitoring nutrition during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer
Monitoring the Nutritional Status of Head and Neck Cancer Patients During Radiotherapy
This project will track body composition, handgrip strength, food intake, quality of life, and treatment side effects in adults with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy to see if early nutritional decline can be caught and treated.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 57 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Marmara University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | Radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Pendik) |
| Trial ID | NCT07068711 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
At Marmara University Pendik Radiation Oncology Clinic, 57 adults with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy will be followed prospectively during treatment and for one month after completion. Weekly measures will include bioelectrical impedance analysis for body composition, anthropometrics, handgrip strength, food intake records, nutrition questionnaires, and recording of treatment-related side effects, with selected blood tests. The protocol is observational and non-interventional, focused on identifying timing and predictors of nutritional deterioration. Findings are intended to inform timely nutritional support and improve patient quality of life during radiotherapy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (age 18 and older) diagnosed with head and neck cancer who are receiving radiotherapy at Marmara University Pendik and can provide informed consent and cooperate with weekly measurements.
Not a fit: Patients who require parenteral nutrition, have implanted devices or other contraindications to BIA, have severe communication/cognitive impairments, or major limb deformities are excluded and unlikely to benefit from the monitoring protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could enable earlier detection of malnutrition and prompt targeted nutritional support to help maintain treatment tolerance and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous observational and interventional work in head and neck cancer has shown that systematic nutritional monitoring and early support can reduce weight loss and improve quality of life, so the approach builds on existing evidence though site-specific data remain useful.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged 18 years and older * Diagnosed with head and neck cancer * Receiving radiotherapy at Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital, Radiation Oncology Clinic * Willing to participate and able to provide written informed consent * Able to communicate and cooperate during assessments Exclusion Criteria: * Patients for whom BIA measurement is not possible (e.g., caffeine intake within the last 4 hours, alcohol use in the last 24 hours, intense physical activity in the last 24-48 hours, menstruation, presence of pacemaker or metal implants) * Patients with communication barriers or cognitive impairments * Amputees or individuals with severe upper extremity deformities * Patients with neuromuscular disorders, hemiplegia, rheumatoid arthritis, or moderate/severe neurological or cognitive impairment * Patients receiving parenteral nutrition
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, Pendik
- Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital Radiation Oncology Clinic — Istanbul, Pendik, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Zehra M Çelik, PhD
- Email: zcelik@marmara.edu.tr
- Phone: +905327070972
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.