ESTRO 2025 - Abstract Book

S1136

Clinical – Head & neck

ESTRO 2025

Purpose/Objective: Malnutrition is a significant and common issue for individuals with head and neck cancer (HNC). It often arises from the tumor's effects on eating, swallowing, and nutrient absorption, leading to various complications such as impaired wound healing, reduced tolerance to treatment, and an increased risk of infection. Material/Methods: Between September 2023 and September 2024, 108 head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy were prospectively recruited. Clinical history and anthropometric data, including body weight, height, and body composition, were assessed using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). Data from each visit were analyzed to track changes in body composition related to the disease and treatment. NRS-2002 screening evaluated malnutrition risk, and at-risk patients were further assessed using GLIM criteria to classify malnutrition. The main objectives were to evaluate the prevalence of malnutrition based on GLIM criteria and correlate it with short-term oncological outcomes. Results: 108 HNC patients (mean age 65.2 years; 68% male) who underwent chemoradiotherapy were prospectively enrolled. Grade 3mucositis occurred in 37 patients (29.4%), while Grade 4 mucositis was observed in 16 patients (12.7%). Eight patients (6.4%) had to interrupt treatment due to toxicities. The mean weight of the patients was 70.4 kg, with a mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of 23.8 kg/m². The mean weight decrease ranged from 0 to 9 kg by the first visit. Thirty-two patients (29.6%) had NRS-2002 scores of 3 or more, and 30 patients (27.8%) were classified as malnourished according to the GLIM criteria. Patients identified as at risk of malnutrition were significantly more likely to develop Grade 4 mucositis (45.5% vs. 18.5%; p=0.04), and malnourished patients were also more prone to this severe complication (38.1% vs. 7.2%; p = 0.03). Additionally, treatment interruption was more frequent among those at nutritional risk (100% vs. 34.6%; p=0.005) and those already malnourished (100% vs. 41.3%; p=0.22). Conclusion: Preliminary data show a high prevalence of malnutrition in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, with about one-third at nutritional risk (NRS-2002) and over a quarter classified as malnourished (GLIM criteria). Malnutrition is linked to severe mucositis and increased treatment interruption risk. Early, targeted nutritional management may improve outcomes and quality of life. Further analysis with a larger sample is needed to refine strategies to prevent excessive weight loss and enhance treatment tolerance.

Keywords: nutritional assesment, GLIM, radiotherapy

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Digital Poster Efficacy of an epigallocatechin gallate mouthwash in the prevention of radiation-induced mucositis in locally advanced head and neck cancer Bianca Santo 1 , Sara De Matteis 1 , Paola De Franco 1 , Matteo Romanello 2 , Elisa Cavalera 1 , Maria Cristina Barba 1 , Elisa Ciurlia 1 , Giuseppe Dipaola 1 , Angela Leone 1 , Antonella Papaleo 1 , Donatella Russo 1 , Angela Sardaro 1 1 Radiotherapy, "Vito Fazzi" Hospital, Lecce, Italy. 2 Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, "Vito Fazzi" Hospital, Lecce, Italy Purpose/Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a mouthwash (fructose, PVP, propolis, epigallocatechin gallate, hyaluronic acid, sodium salicylate, flavouring, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, water, green tea 95%, EGCG, b-caryophyllene, liquid