Effect of an Oral Supplement on the Total Energy and Protein Intake of Head and Neck Cancer Patients in the Last 2 Weeks of Radiation Therapy
Effect of an Oral Supplement on the Total Energy and Protein Intake of Head and Neck Cancer Patients in the Last 2 Weeks of Radiation Therapy
In this study, an oral nutrition supplement has been developed that take into consideration:
 the nutritional requirements, treatment side-effects and taste preferences of head and neck
 cancer patients; the acceptance of a supplement when experiencing radiation therapy
 side-effects; and the taste preferences of head and neck cancer patients which may affect the
 supplement intake. We hope to increase dietary intake during the last 2 weeks of radiation
 therapy.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  18 years or older

 -  diagnosed with head and neck cancer including the lip, oral cavity, salivary glands,
 paranasal sinuses, oropharynx, nasopharynx, hypopharynx, larynx and thyroid.

 -  all histologic types of cancer

 -  all tumour stages according to American Joint Committee for Cancer (AJCC) Staging

 -  all forms of RT including standard or investigational for head and neck cancers

 -  alert and mentally competent

 -  English speaking

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  an allergy or intolerance to any of the substances used in the nutrition supplement

 -  Type I or II diabetes mellitus

 -  renal insufficiency

 -  unable to swallow

 -  additional criteria of all forms of chemotherapy standard or investigational or
 combination of radiation/chemotherapy standard or investigational for head and neck
 cancers