ESTRO 2025 - Abstract Book

S4209

RTT - Patient experience and quality of life

ESTRO 2025

Conclusion: In this cohort, adjuvant 3D vaginal brachytherapy for cervical cancer demonstrated excellent local control rates and favorable outcomes in terms of quality of life, with manageable toxicity profiles. These findings support the effectiveness of this treatment modality for cervical cancer, with good clinical and QoL outcomes.

Keywords: cervical cancer, brachytherapy, quality of life

4214

Digital Poster Impact of Nutritional Intervention on Malnutrition and Oncologic Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing (Chemo-)Radiotherapy FATIMA ZAHRA CHRAA raditherapy, institut national d'oncologie, rabat, Morocco Purpose/Objective: Head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy are at high risk of developing malnutrition, which negatively impacts treatment outcomes. Despite the known adverse effects of malnutrition on patient prognosis, there remains a lack of prospective, randomized trials investigating the influence of nutritional status on therapy-related toxicity and oncological outcomes. This study aimed to prevent malnutrition progression during radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy through individualized nutritional counseling. Additionally, we aimed to explore whether parameters obtained from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) could serve as indicators of malnutrition and predict oncologic outcomes. Material/Methods: Between June 2023 and June 2024, 61 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were randomized into an intervention group (n=30) and a control group (n=31). Nutritional status was assessed at baseline, every two weeks during therapy, and at the end of therapy using questionnaires (MUST, NRS-2002, Nutriscore), clinical examinations, laboratory tests, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The intervention group received individualized nutritional counseling every two weeks throughout the treatment period. Results: At baseline, the median BMI for all patients was 23.8 kg/m² (range 14.5-37.2), which decreased to 22.9 kg/m² (range 16.8-33) after therapy (p<0.001). The median fat-free mass index (FFMI) was 18.1 kg/m² (range 14-24.7) at baseline, dropping to 17.8 kg/m² (range 13.4-21.6) by the end of therapy (p<0.001). In patients with a baseline BMI <22 kg/m², those in the intervention group experienced less weight loss compared to the control group (p=0.015, CI: 0.33-2.95). The MUST screening tool showed the best sensitivity (86%) and specificity (88%) for detecting malnutrition at baseline. With a median follow-up of 15 months (range 1-26), the 2-year overall survival rate was 70% in the control group and 79% in the intervention group (log-rank p=0.79). Baseline phase angle, post-therapy FFMI, and albumin levels were identified as prognostic indicators for overall survival (log-rank p=0.002, p=0.008, and p=0.016, respectively). Conclusion: Malnutrition negatively affects oncologic outcomes in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Baseline phase angle, post-therapy FFMI, and serum albumin levels may serve as reliable prognostic indicators for overall survival. Regular, individualized nutritional counseling can mitigate weight loss and improve patient outcomes during treatment.

Keywords: head and neck, cancer, nutrition