| Summary: | Background: Weight loss is well-known among head and neck (HNC) patients during
radiotherapy and could continue after the treatment is completed. Weight monitoring is essential
for treatment outcomes and cancer surveillance. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the weight
loss during and post-treatment among HNC patients. Methods: A total of 45 out of 50 patients
post-treatment were included in this secondary treatment. Data were collected at baseline, at the
completion of radiotherapy and one month after completion of radiotherapy. Results: The mean
weight loss was 4.53 ± 2.87 kg (7.4%) during treatment and 1.38 ± 2.65 kg (2.1%) post-treatment. There
were significant improvements one month after completion of radiotherapy in Patient-Generated
Subjective Global Assessment (PGSGA), muscle mass, nutrition impact symptoms (NIS) score, energy
and protein from oral intake (p < 0.0001). Energy and protein from oral nutritional supplements (ONS)
decreased significantly (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The results of this study underline the importance
of early identification and monitoring post-treatment in HNC patients. The post-treatment recovery
stage is very important for HNC patients to ensure a healing process.
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