Poor Vitamin Status is Associated with Skeletal Muscle Loss and Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

The Magic Triangle in Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders: Vitamin D, Vitamin D Receptor, and Malignancy

OPMDs (oral potentially malignant disorders) are a group of disorders affecting the oral mucosa that are characterized by aberrant cell proliferation and a higher risk of malignant transformation. Vitamin D (VitD) and its receptor (VDR) have been extensively studied for their potential contributions to the prevention and therapeutic management of various diseases and neoplastic conditions, including oral cancer. Observational studies suggest correlations between VitD deficiency and higher cancer risk, worse prognosis, and increased mortality rates. Interestingly, emerging data also suggest a link between VitD insufficiency and the onset or progression of OPMDs. Understanding the role of the VitD-VDR axis not only in established oral tumors but also in OPMDs might thus enable early detection and prevention of malignant transformation. With this article, we want to provide an overview of current knowledge about OPMDs and VitD and investigate their potential association and ramifications for clinical management of OPMDs.

Dietary patterns, malnutrition, muscle loss and sarcopenia in cancer survivors: findings from the UK Biobank

PURPOSE

To identify dietary patterns derived from protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and vitamin D and examine associations with malnutrition, low muscle mass and sarcopenia in cancer survivors.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included cancer survivors (n = 2415) from the UK Biobank (age [mean ± SD] 59.7 ± 7.1 years; 60.7% female). The Oxford WebQ 24-h dietary assessment estimated food and nutrient intakes. Reduced rank regression derived dietary patterns (response variables: protein [g/kg/day], PUFA [g/day] and vitamin D [μg/day]). Adjusted logistic regression analysis examined associations between dietary patterns and malnutrition, low muscle mass and sarcopenia.

RESULTS

Three dietary patterns were identified: (i) 'high oily fish and nuts', characterised by higher oily fish and nuts and seeds intake; (ii) 'low oily fish', characterised by lower oily fish intake and higher potato intake; and (iii) 'meat and dairy', characterised by higher intake of meat, poultry and dairy. Eighteen percent of participants were malnourished, 5% had low muscle mass and 6.5% had sarcopenia. Odds of being malnourished were significantly lower with adherence to a 'high oily fish and nuts' pattern (OR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.50, 0.65) and 'low oily fish' pattern (OR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.73, 0.90). The 'meat and dairy' pattern was not associated with malnutrition. No dietary patterns were associated with low muscle mass or sarcopenia.

CONCLUSIONS

Energy-rich dietary patterns were associated with lower odds of malnutrition in cancer survivors but did not influence muscle mass or sarcopenia risk.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Better understanding of dietary patterns may improve cancer-related outcomes for cancer survivors.

Role of Vitamin D in Head and Neck Cancer-Immune Function, Anti-Tumour Effect, and Its Impact on Patient Prognosis

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) describes a heterogeneous group of human neoplasms of the head and neck with high rates of morbidity and mortality, constituting about 3% of all cancers and ~1.5% of all cancer deaths. HNSCC constituted the seventh most prevalent human malignancy and the most common human cancer in the world in 2020, according to multi-population observations conducted by the GLOBOCAN group. Since approximately 60-70% of patients present with stage III/IV neoplastic disease, HNSCC is still one of the leading causes of death in cancer patients worldwide, with an overall survival rate that is too low, not exceeding 40-60% of these patients. Despite the application of newer surgical techniques and the implementation of modern combined oncological treatment, the disease often follows a fatal course due to frequent nodal metastases and local neoplastic recurrences. The role of micronutrients in the initiation, development, and progression of HNSCC has been the subject of considerable research. Of particular interest has been vitamin D, the pleiotropic biologically active fat-soluble family of secosteroids (vitamin-D-like steroids), which constitutes a key regulator of bone, calcium, and phosphate homeostasis, as well as carcinogenesis and the further development of various neoplasms. Considerable evidence suggests that vitamin D plays a key role in cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, immunity, and cellular metabolism. A number of basic science, clinical, and epidemiological studies indicate that vitamin D has multidirectional biological effects and influences anti-cancer intracellular mechanisms and cancer risk, and that vitamin D dietary supplements have various prophylactic benefits. In the 20th century, it was reported that vitamin D may play various roles in the protection and regulation of normal cellular phenotypes and in cancer prevention and adjunctive therapy in various human neoplasms, including HNSCC, by regulating a number of intracellular mechanisms, including control of tumour cell expansion and differentiation, apoptosis, intercellular interactions, angio- and lymphogenesis, immune function, and tumour invasion. These regulatory properties mainly occur indirectly via epigenetic and transcriptional changes regulating the function of transcription factors, chromatin modifiers, non-coding RNA (ncRNAs), and microRNAs (miRs) through protein-protein interactions and signalling pathways. In this way, calcitriol enhances intercellular communication in cancer biology, restores the connection with the extracellular matrix, and promotes the epithelial phenotype; it thus counteracts the tumour-associated detachment from the extracellular matrix and inhibits the formation of metastases. Furthermore, the confirmation that the vitamin D receptor (VDR) is present in many human tissues confirmed the physiopathological significance of vitamin D in various human tumours. Recent studies indicate quantitative associations between exposure to vitamin D and the incidence of HNC, i.e., cancer risk assessment included circulating calcidiol plasma/serum concentrations, vitamin D intake, the presence of the VDR gene polymorphism, and genes involved in the vitamin D metabolism pathway. Moreover, the chemopreventive efficacy of vitamin D in precancerous lesions of the head and neck and their role as predictors of mortality, survival, and recurrence of head and neck cancer are also widely discussed. As such, it may be considered a promising potential anti-cancer agent for developing innovative methods of targeted therapy. The proposed review discusses in detail the mechanisms regulating the relationship between vitamin D and HNSCC. It also provides an overview of the current literature, including key opinion-forming systematic reviews as well as epidemiological, prospective, longitudinal, cross-sectional, and interventional studies based on in vitro and animal models of HNSCC, all of which are accessible via the PubMed/Medline/EMBASE/Cochrane Library databases. This article presents the data in line with increasing clinical credibility.

Association of Body Composition and Handgrip Strength with Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Vitamin D Level in Cancer Patients

Introduction

Cachexia is prevalent in cancer and is associated with poorer prognosis. We aimed to investigate the association of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and vitamin D levels with cachexia in cancer patients. We also assessed the relationship between body composition profile and cachexia, IL-6, and vitamin D levels.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Dharmais National Cancer Hospital. The study included patients with newly diagnosed biopsy-proven nasopharyngeal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Blood samples, anthropometrics, and body composition were measured.

Results

A total of 150 cancer patients were included in the study, with a median age of 52 years, and 64% (n = 96) are female. The prevalence of cachexia was 57%. Cancer patients with cachexia had higher IL-6 levels (P = 0.025). No association between cachexia and vitamin D levels was found (P = 0.787). Patients with cachexia had lower body composition components than those without cachexia (P < 0.05). Vitamin D levels were positively correlated with muscle mass, visceral fat, and handgrip strength (P < 0.05), while no association between IL-6 and body composition was found.

Conclusion

Cancer-associated cachexia is associated with a higher level of IL-6, lower BMI, lower fat mass index, and lower visceral fat. Vitamin D levels, but not IL-6, are correlated with muscle mass, muscle strength, and visceral fat in cancer patients.

Protective Role of Natural Compounds under Radiation-Induced Injury

In recent years, evidence has shown the potential therapeutic effects of different natural compounds for the prevention and treatment of radiotherapy-induced mucositis (RIOM). RIOM represents one of the most frequent side effects associated with anti-neoplastic treatments affecting patients' quality of life and treatment response due to radiation therapy discontinuation. The innate radio-protective ability of natural products obtained from plants is in part due to the numerous antioxidants possessed as a part of their normal secondary metabolic processes. However, oxygen presence is a key point for radiation efficacy on cancer cells. The aim of this review is to describe the most recent evidence on radiation-induced injury and the emerging protective role of natural compounds in preventing and treating this specific damage without compromising treatment efficacy.

The Relationship Between Serum Folate Level and Residual Renal Function in CAPD Patients

Objective

To investigate the relationship between serum folate (FA) levels and residual renal function (RRF) in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients.

Methods

Clinical data were collected from 180 hospitalized patients who received CAPD regularly. Patients were divided into the FA deficiency group and the FA non-deficiency group according to serum FA level. Data on age, sex, PD vintage, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, serum FA, total Kt/V, residual kidney Kt/V, peritoneum Kt/V, creatinine clearance (Ccr), ultrafiltration volume, cystatin C (cytC), serum creatinine (Scr), urea nitrogen, retinol-binding protein and the primary disease were gathered from 2 groups. Statistical methods were used to analyze the relationship between serum FA level and RRF.

Results

Peritoneal Kt/V, cytC, Scr were higher, and residual kidney Kt/V was lower in FA deficiency group than in non-deficiency group. Univariate correlation showed the peritoneal Kt/V, cytC, Scr negatively correlated with serum FA while residual kidney Kt/V positively correlated with serum FA, and there was a simple linear regression relationship between serum FA and residual kidney Kt/V. Differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).

Conclusion

There is a relationship between serum FA and RRF in CAPD patients. Prospective studies or trials should be performed to clarify the importance of FA supplementation on RRF during peritoneal dialysis.

Current Insights in Nutrition Assessment and Intervention for Malnutrition or Muscle Loss in People with Lung Cancer: A Narrative Review

Up to 70% of people with lung cancer may be affected by cancer-related malnutrition or muscle loss, depending on treatment modality and disease stage. This narrative review explores recent studies on malnutrition and muscle loss as well as nutritional and multimodal interventions to treat these conditions in the context of the changing treatment landscape in lung cancer. Various types of interventions, including individualized counseling, protein and other specific nutrient supplementation, as well as multimodal interventions to treat malnutrition and muscle loss, have been investigated. Overall, individualized dietary counseling, increasing protein intake, and supplementation with omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids appear to be beneficial for some, albeit varying, patient outcomes. Multimodal interventions, generally including a nutrition and exercise component, show promising results; however, the impact on patient outcomes is mixed. A key finding of this review is a lack of large, randomized trials to guide nutrition intervention specifically in people with lung cancer. Despite the high prevalence of malnutrition and muscle loss in people with lung cancer and the known adverse outcomes, current evidence for nutrition intervention is limited. A targeted effort is required to improve the quality of evidence for nutrition intervention in this population to provide support for clinicians to deliver effective nutrition care.

Dietary Carotenoids in Head and Neck Cancer-Molecular and Clinical Implications

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is one of the most common cancers in the world according to GLOBCAN. In 2018, it was reported that HNC accounts for approximately 3% of all human cancers (51,540 new cases) and is the cause of nearly 1.5% of all cancer deaths (10,030 deaths). Despite great advances in treatment, HNC is indicated as a leading cause of death worldwide. In addition to having a positive impact on general health, a diet rich in carotenoids can regulate stages in the course of carcinogenesis; indeed, strong epidemiological associations exist between dietary carotenoids and HNS, and it is presumed that diets with carotenoids can even reduce cancer risk. They have also been proposed as potential chemotherapeutic agents and substances used in chemoprevention of HNC. The present review discusses the links between dietary carotenoids and HNC. It examines the prospective anticancer effect of dietary carotenoids against intracellular cell signalling and mechanisms, oxidative stress regulation, as well as their impact on apoptosis, cell cycle progression, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and chemoprevention; it also provides an overview of the limited preclinical and clinical research published in this arena. Recent epidemiological, key opinion-forming systematic reviews, cross-sectional, longitudinal, prospective, and interventional studies based on in vitro and animal models of HNC also indicate that high carotenoid content obtained from daily supplementation has positive effects on the initiation, promotion, and progression of HNC. This article presents these results according to their increasing clinical credibility.

Therapeutic effects of vitamin D and IL-22 on methotrexate-induced mucositis in mice

Mucositis is a common side effect of cancer therapies and transplant conditioning regimens. Management of mucositis involves multiple approaches from oral hygiene, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, cytoprotective, and antioxidant agents, to cryo-therapy, physical therapy, and growth factors. There is room for novel, affordable treatment options, or improvement of currently available therapies. Vitamin D has been shown to regulate mucosa-resident cell populations such as Th17 or innate lymphoid cells and critical mucosal cytokine IL-22; however, their therapeutic potential has not been put to test in preclinical mouse models. In this study, we aimed to test the therapeutic potential of vitamin D injections and IL-22 overexpression in a murine model of chemotherapy-induced mucositis. Balb/c mice were given daily intraperitoneal injections of vitamin D. Mucositis was induced by methotrexate. Another group received IL-22 plasmid via hydrodynamic gene delivery. Weight loss and intestinal histopathology, intestinal levels of cytokines IL-22, IL-17A, GM-CSF, IL-23, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10, and number of intestinal lamina propria B cell, neutrophil, and total innate lymphoid cells were quantified. Daily vitamin D injections ameliorated intestinal inflammation and elevated intestinal IL-22 levels compared with control groups. Temporal overexpression of IL-22 by hydrodynamic gene delivery slightly increased intestinal IL-22 but failed to confer significant protection from mucositis. To our knowledge, this is the first experimental demonstration in an animal model of mucositis of therapeutic use of vitamin D and IL-22 supplementation and our results with vitamin D suggest it may have merit in further trials in human mucositis patients.

A Narrative Review about Nutritional Management and Prevention of Oral Mucositis in Haematology and Oncology Cancer Patients Undergoing Antineoplastic Treatments

Cancer is a prevalent disease worldwide, and treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy sometimes lead to adverse events. Oral mucositis is one of the most disabling adverse events, and clinical guidelines do not take into account nutritional interventions. The primary endpoint was to gather the evidence about the efficacy of nutritional interventions in the prevention and/or treatment of antineoplastic-induced oral mucositis in oncological patients. A bibliographic review was carried out in the PubMed data base by combining MeSH terms with Boolean operators. Articles were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria; 50 final articles were found. Although further evidence is needed, glutamine, honey, and vitamins appear to be good therapeutic options. The rest of the compounds presented controversial or insufficient results, making it difficult to draw conclusions over their utilization as prevention or treatment options. Little evidence is reported about oral mucositis nutritional interventions in spite of them being attainable and affordable compounds. Scarce evidence is shown in paediatric patients compared with adults. Developing higher quality studies and combinations with the compounds researched is necessary for creating a stronger body of evidence.

The Concept of Folic Acid in Health and Disease

Folates have a pterine core structure and high metabolic activity due to their ability to accept electrons and react with O-, S-, N-, C-bounds. Folates play a role as cofactors in essential one-carbon pathways donating methyl-groups to choline phospholipids, creatine, epinephrine, DNA. Compounds similar to folates are ubiquitous and have been found in different animals, plants, and microorganisms. Folates enter the body from the diet and are also synthesized by intestinal bacteria with consequent adsorption from the colon. Three types of folate and antifolate cellular transporters have been found, differing in tissue localization, substrate affinity, type of transferring, and optimal pH for function. Laboratory criteria of folate deficiency are accepted by WHO. Severe folate deficiencies, manifesting in early life, are seen in hereditary folate malabsorption and cerebral folate deficiency. Acquired folate deficiency is quite common and is associated with poor diet and malabsorption, alcohol consumption, obesity, and kidney failure. Given the observational data that folates have a protective effect against neural tube defects, ischemic events, and cancer, food folic acid fortification was introduced in many countries. However, high physiological folate concentrations and folate overload may increase the risk of impaired brain development in embryogenesis and possess a growth advantage for precancerous altered cells.

Evolution of Nutritional Status in Patients with Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing Surgical Treatment or Organ Preservation Protocol

We sought to evaluate the evolution of the nutritional status of patients with advanced cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract undergoing surgical treatment (SURG) or organ preservation protocol (OP). Evaluations were conducted at the beginning and end of treatment, including weight, body composition and Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA). Each group was comprised of 29 patients. Initially, malnutrition rates were 65.5% and 51.7% in the SURG and OP groups, respectively. At the end, the values went to 55.1% in SURG and 79.3% in OP. In the OP, there was a reduction in weight (P = 0.001), fat mass (P = 0.006), fat free mass (P = 0.002), and muscle mass (P = 0.005) and an increase in scores of the PG-SGA (P = 0.008). The same was not observed in SURG, except for the weight decrease (P = 0.025). Malnutrition was prevalent in both treatment groups and patients in OP were at greater risk of nutritional decline.

Nutritional supplements in the management of oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer: Narrative literary review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Oral mucositis is the most common side effect in response to anticancer therapies in the head and neck region. It has a debilitating potential for the health of affected individuals, negatively interfering with nutritional status and quality of life. Due to the great complexity of its pathogenicity, different forms of interventions for prevention and treatment are being studied, including nutritional supplements with vitamin E, zinc and glutamine. This study aimed to review the literature on the influence of nutrients, in supplement form, for prevention and/or treatment of mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer.

METHODS

A survey of studies related to the definition, treatment and prevention of mucositis with nutrients was carried out between January 2018 and July 2019, using the Pubmed, Cochrane Library and Scielo databases. In the end, 61 relevant scientific publications were selected between the years 2004 and 2019.

RESULTS

Nutrients such as vitamin E, glutamine and zinc are forms of supplementation that have positive effects on the manifestation and severity of oral mucositis due to their antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. However, some studies reveal that antioxidant properties may reduce the effectiveness of antineoplastic therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests the effectiveness of vitamin E, zinc and glutamine in preventing and treating oral mucositis. However, the importance of new clinical researches to clarify possible doubts is highlighted, as well as the creation of a protocol that includes the dose, route and time of administration, for greater safety in use.

Prophylactic Treatment with Vitamins C and B2 for Methotrexate-Induced Gastrointestinal Mucositis

Mucositis is a common side-effect of chemotherapy treatment, inducing alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota. Redox active compounds, such as vitamins B2 and C, have been shown to reduce inflammation and enhance the growth of anaerobic bacteria in the gut. We therefore aimed to (1) validate the ability of these compounds to promote bacterial cell growth in vitro, and (2) determine their prophylactic efficacy in a rat model of methotrexate (MTX)-induced mucositis. Bacterial growth curves were performed to assess the growth kinetics of bacteria exposed to Vitamins C and B2 (0.5 mM). Male wistar rats (150–200 g) received vitamins B2 (12 mg/day) and C (50 mg/day) via daily oral gavage (from day −1 to day 10). MTX (45 mg/Kg) was administrated via I.V. injection (N = 4–8/group) on day 0. Body weight, water/food consumption and diarrhea were assessed daily. Blood and faecal samples were collected longitudinally to assess citrulline levels (mucositis biomarker) and gut microbiota composition. Vitamins C/B2 enhanced the in vitro growth of anaerobic bacteria Blautia coccoides and Roseburia intestinalis. Contrarily to vitamin B2, in vivo administration of Vitamin C significantly attenuated clinical symptoms of mucositis. Despite their influence on the composition of the gut microbiota, both vitamins did not modulate the course of MTX-induced mucositis, as accessed by plasma citrulline. Vitamins B2 and C enhanced anaerobic bacterial growth in vitro, however their ability to mitigate MTX-induced mucositis was limited.

Pretreatment serum vitamin level predicts severity of radiation-induced oral mucositis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Radiation-induced mucositis (RIOM) is a common radiotherapy toxicity. We aimed to evaluate the relationship of serum vitamin status with RIOM among nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients who underwent radiotherapy.

METHODS

NPC patients who underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy with available pretreatment serum vitamin values were included. Serum vitamin levels and clinical characteristics were collected. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves were conducted to explore the potential risk factors and corresponding cut-off values for severe RIOM.

RESULTS

Two hundred and forty NPC patients were enrolled. Multivariate regression analysis showed that mean oral cavity radiation dose (OR = 2.042; 95% CI = 1.585-2.630; P < .001), weekly concurrent chemotherapy (OR = 3.898; 95% CI = 1.085-14.004; P = .037), lower serum level of vitamin B2 (OR = 0.951; 95% CI = 0.924-0.978; P < .001), and vitamin C (OR = 0.455; 95% CI = 0.346-0.598; P < .001) were independent risk factors for developing severe RIOM.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study revealed that serum vitamin status could predict the severity of RIOM, providing a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of RIOM.

The role of vitamin D in head and neck cancer

OBJECTIVE

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) describes a set of malignancies of the head and neck that continue to inflict considerable morbidity and mortality. Because HNSCC often presents at an advanced stage, patients frequently undergo intensive multi-modal therapy with an intent to cure. Vitamin D is a precursor to the biologically active hormone calcitriol which governs bone and calcium physiology that is obtained from diet and UV-B exposure. Vitamin D is known to have pleiotropic effects on health and disease. In this review, we examine the role of vitamin D in cancer with emphasis on HNSCC and discuss potential avenues for further research that might better elucidate the role of vitamin D in the management of HNSCC.

REVIEW METHODS

A review of MEDLINE database indexed literature concerning the role and biology of vitamin D in HNSCC was conducted, with special consideration of recently published work and research involving immunobiology and HNSCC.

CONCLUSIONS

The available evidence suggests that vitamin D may play a role in protecting against HNSCC, particularly in persons who smoke, although conflicting and limited data exists. Promising initial work encourages the pursuit of further study.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The significant morbidity and mortality that HNSCC brings warrants continued research in available and safe interventions that improve patient outcomes. With the rise of immunotherapy as an effective modality for treatment, continued research of vitamin D as an adjunct in the treatment of HNSCC is supported.

Vitamin D in Head and Neck Cancer: a Systematic Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Observational studies have shown that serum 25-OH vitamin D [25(OH)D] is inversely associated with overall cancer risk in many malignancies. We performed a systematic literature review to determine whether vitamin D deficiency is related to head and neck cancer (HNC) etiology and outcome.

RECENT FINDINGS

The search yielded five prospective studies reporting 25(OH)D levels prior to cancer diagnosis and their effect on the risk of HNC. Eight studies were cross-sectional or case-control studies, in which 25(OH)D levels were only measured after cancer diagnosis. Two studies found an inverse association between 25(OH)D level and HNC risk, while two other prospective cohort studies demonstrated no connection between 25(OH)D and HNC risk. Several studies reported cancer patients to have significantly lower 25(OH)D levels than controls. Associations between 25(OH)D and prognosis and mortality were variable. The link between vitamin D and HNC has so far only been investigated in a few observational, prospective, and case-control studies. Vitamin D deficiency may be more common in HNC patients than in the healthy population. There is no evidence for a causal relationship. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether low 25(OH)D concentrations play a role in the development or outcome of HNCs.

Oral Nutritional Supplementation Affects the Dietary Intake and Body Weight of Head and Neck Cancer Patients during (Chemo) Radiotherapy

Considering the symptoms of (chemo) radiotherapy and the reduction in food intake in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, this study aimed to investigate the association between treatment time points and oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) on dietary intake to estimate the frequency of energy and nutrient inadequacy, and also to evaluate body weight changes (BWC). Dietary intake data of 65 patients were obtained from 24-h dietary recalls and prevalence of inadequacy was calculated before or at the beginning (T0), in the middle (T1), and at the end of treatment (T2). BWC were calculated as the weight difference considering the previous weight reported and/or measured. Energy and macronutrient intake decreased in T1 and then improved in T2 (p < 0.001 for both). Micronutrient intake increased during treatment due to ONS use, but still presented a high probability of inadequate intake. In particular, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6 showed almost 100% of probability of inadequacy for those who did not use ONS. Finally, overweight patients suffered a higher weight accumulated deficit with a delta of −15 kg compared to other BMI (body mass index) categories. Therefore, we strongly recommend initiating nutritional counseling in conjunction with prophylactic ONS prescription from diagnosis to adjust nutrient intake and minimize weight loss.

Association of Sarcopenia With Oncologic Outcomes of Primary Surgery or Definitive Radiotherapy Among Patients With Localized Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Importance

The negative association of low lean muscle mass (sarcopenia) with survival outcomes in head and neck cancers, including oropharyngeal carcinoma, is established. However, it is not known whether the choice of primary treatment modality (surgery or radiotherapy) is associated with oncologic outcomes of patients with sarcopenia and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Objective

To examine whether primary surgical resection or definitive radiotherapy is associated with improved survival for patients with sarcopenia and localized OPSCC.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A cohort study was conducted of patients with clinically staged T1 to T2, N0 to N2 OPSCC with cross-sectional abdominal imaging within 60 days prior to treatment and treated between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2017. Skeletal muscle mass was measured at the third lumbar vertebra using previously defined techniques and sarcopenia was defined as less than 52.4 cm2/m2 of muscle for men and less than 38.5 cm2/m2 for women. In addition, associated patient demographic characteristics, cancer data, treatment information, and survival outcomes were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed from December 3, 2018, to August 28, 2019.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary outcomes were overall survival and disease-specific survival.

Results

Among the 245 patients who met study inclusion criteria, 209 were men (85.3%) and the mean (SD) age was 62.3 (7.8) years. Sarcopenia was detected in 135 patients (55.1%), while normal skeletal muscle mass was detected in 110 patients (44.9%). For the 110 patients without sarcopenia, primary treatment modality was not associated with improved survival. For patients with sarcopenia at diagnosis, primary surgical resection was associated with improved overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.37; 95% CI, 0.17-0.82) and disease-specific survival (HR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.07-0.68). This association persisted after propensity score matching, as up-front surgery was associated with improved overall survival (HR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.12-0.91) and disease-specific survival (HR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.04-0.75) survival.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study suggests that sarcopenia has a negative association with survival for patients with OPSCC. Primary surgery and radiotherapy confer similar survival associations for patients with normal skeletal muscle mass and localized OPSCC. However, up-front surgical resection may be associated with improved survival outcomes for patients with sarcopenia.

Body composition changes in patients with head and neck cancer under active treatment: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Head and neck cancer patients have the second highest malnutrition prevalence, when compared with other oncological patients. They experience significant weight loss before diagnosis, during and after treatment, and even during the first year of follow-up. However, the prognostic value of weight loss depends on body mass index, and this may be associated with low skeletal muscle mass, masking its loss. Thus, weight loss itself poorly predicts outcome in head and neck cancer patients when compared with depleted skeletal muscle mass, illustrating the inadequacy of body mass index as an accurate method to reflect nutritional status. A synthesis is needed of the body composition changes occurring in head and neck cancer patients during treatment, as well as of the methods to assess it.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this scoping review is to examine and map the body composition changes in head and neck cancer patients under oncological treatment with curative intent. A further objective is to determine which methods are used to assess body composition in these patients.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Types of participants: The current review considered head and neck cancer patients, aged 18 years or older.

CONCEPT

This scoping review considered all studies that focused on the body composition changes.

CONTEXT

This scoping review considered the studies that evaluated the body composition changes in the context of treatment with curative intent. Surgical treatment approach was excluded to avoid excess heterogeneity in the data. Types of sources: This scoping review considered only published studies, with abstract available.

SEARCH STRATEGY

A three-step search strategy was undertaken. This review was limited to studies published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese during 2000-2019.

DATA EXTRACTION

The data extracted included author(s)/year of publication, aims and purpose of the study, sample size, study design, type of treatment, measurement points and component(s) of body composition evaluated, body composition assessment methods, and main results/findings.

PRESENTATION OF RESULTS

Head and neck cancer patients suffer from serious loss of lean body mass, skeletal muscle, or free fat mass, after treatment compared with baseline. Further, nutritional deterioration is evident and occurs up to 8-12 months after treatment. Bioelectrical impedance analysis is one of the body composition assessment tools that has the great advantage for being available on a regular basis for assessment of body composition in head and neck cancer patients. However, it cannot be recommended for clinical decision making until further validation.

CONCLUSION

Head and neck cancer patients experience a significant depletion of lean body mass, fat-free mass, and skeletal muscle, accompanied by body fat mass, while undergoing (chemo)radiotherapy. This can be demonstrated either by triceps skinfold thickness, bioelectrical impedance analysis, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, or computed tomography. This loss has a remarkable impact on their survival, on their quality of life, and on the risk for post-operative complications and may result in a reduced response to cancer treatment. Thus, body composition assessment should become an integral component of the care of head and neck cancer patients, beyond weight and body mass index, and should be carried out at different times throughout treatment.

The relationship of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration with clinical variables in patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The relationship between vitamin D and oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration in patients with OD and to verify its association to nutritional status, functional independence measure (FIM), time of clinical signs (TCS) and OD severity. This is a cross-sectional study conducted with outpatients. Body mass index (BMI), FIM, TCS, causes of OD, comorbidities, penetration-aspiration scale (PAS) and severity scale were evaluated.

METHODS

A multiple linear regression and effect size were performed to evaluate the association between serum 25(OH)D concentration and independent variables.

RESULTS

Forty-eight participants were included, with a mean age of 60.1 ± 15.3 years. The mean of the 25(OH)D concentration was 26.10 ± 12.0 ng/mL. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D (<30 ng/mL) was 73%. In the multiple linear regression analysis (adjusted for sex, age, BMI, dietary intake and solar radiation), 25(OH)D concentration was significantly related with the TCS (p = 0.01, f² = 0.48). Patients with hypovitaminosis D had a moderate effect (p = 0.08, δ = 0.36) for a lower FIM score.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that serum 25(OH)D concentration may be related to the TCS and the functional capacity of patients with OD.

Meeting Minimum ESPEN Energy Recommendations Is Not Enough to Maintain Muscle Mass in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

The relationship between dietary intake and body composition changes during cancer treatment has not been well characterized. The aim of this study was to compare dietary intake at diagnosis and end of treatment in relation to changes in muscle mass and adiposity in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Dietary intakes (three-day food record) and body composition using computed tomography (CT) were assessed at diagnosis (baseline) and after treatment completion (post-treatment). Skeletal muscle (SM) loss was explored as a consequence of energy and protein intake in relation to the minimum and maximum European Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ESPEN) guidelines. Higher energy intakes (kcal/kg/day) and increases in energy intake (%) from baseline to post-treatment were correlated with attenuated muscle loss (r = 0.62, p < 0.01; r = 0.47, p = 0.04, respectively). Post-treatment protein intake demonstrated a weak positive correlation (r = 0.44, p = 0.05) with muscle loss, which did not persist when controlling for covariates. Meeting minimum ESPEN energy guidelines (25 kcal/kg/day) did not attenuate SM loss, whereas intakes >30 kcal/kg/day resulted in fewer participants losing muscle. Greater baseline adiposity correlated with greater SM loss (p < 0.001). Energy intakes of 30 kcal/kg/day may be required to protect against SM loss during treatment in HNC patients. The influence of adiposity on SM loss requires further exploration.

Body Composition Evaluation in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Review

Introduction: Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients show a high risk of malnutrition due to the lifestyle habits adopted prior to the diagnosis as well as to the compromising impact of both the anatomical location of the tumor and the treatment modalities on food intake. Weight change, measurement of skinfold thickness, biochemical parameters, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MRI), or dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) are available techniques to evaluate nutritional status and/or body composition in the clinical practice. Evaluating body composition alterations in HNC patients is essential to be able to offer the best therapeutical interventions. In this paper, we review the existing literature regarding body composition evaluation in HNC patients to determine, which is the most suitable method for this population, regarding availability in the day-to-day practice, patient burden, cost, sensibility, and specificity.

Methodology: A literature search for relevant papers indexed in MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and Scielo was conducted, with no publication date restriction and for all published articles until the 31 January, 2019. All the papers written in English, with interventions in humans, exclusively considering HNC patients were selected.

Results: A total of 41 studies with different methodologies were included in this review. In 15 studies BIA was the used assessment method and three of them also evaluated skinfold thickness and one was a bioelectric impedance vector analysis (BIVA). Body composition assessment was made with DXA in eight studies, one of which also included muscle biopsies. In two studies the chosen method was both BIA and DXA. CT/ positron emission tomography-CT was applied in 11 studies and one also included MRI. In two studies body composition was assessed with skinfold measurements alone and one study only used BIVA.

Conclusions: Despite the different existing body composition assessment tools, it seems that skeletal muscle mass (SMM) measurement at the level of cervical spine C3 vertebra may be a reliable method for SMM assessment as it strongly correlates with cross-sectional area measures at the level of L3 and it allows a cost-effective body composition assessment without the need for additional radiation exposure.