Appetite and adverse effects associated with radiation therapy in patients with head and neck cancer.

Abstract Purpose The relationship between radiation treatment and adverse effects resulting in changes in appetite was studied in patients with head and neck (HN at 30 Gy of radiation, appetite was affected by frequency of oral care, xerostomia symptoms, age, sensitivity to taste, and oral mucositis ( R 2  = 0.52, p R 2  = 0.62, p Conclusions The results of this study suggest that care taken to avoid a decrease in appetite due to adverse effects of radiation therapy should differ according to the dosage and schedule of radiation therapy. These findings represent important data for health care professionals to understand and support appropriate dietary intake and improved quality of life for H&N cancer patients receiving radiation therapy.