Comparison of patient performance between PEG/no PEG placement in head and neck cancer patients during chemoradiotherapy treatment.

6091 Background: Many head and neck cancer patients suffer from side effects of chemoradiotherapy that can result in reduced oral intake, and weight loss. To prevent this malnutrition they often undergo preventative percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement. We aim to determine whether PEG placement is necessary for successful patient performace during treatment. Methods: We compared 2 groups: patients that underwent PEG (Gp-1=P) (n=20), and those that did not undergo PEG (GP-2=NP) (n=47). All patients were treated with chemoradiotherapy. All were assessed at baseline (BL), and wk 5 of tx. WHO variables including weight loss, mucositis, dysphagia, and odynophagia ratings, along with patient-rated modified “distress thermometers”, were analyzed. Results: Patients with no PEGs had higher weights at BL (NP=193 vs P= 171, p=0.073) and at wk 5 (NP=179 vs P= 160, p=0.056). Weight loss in these groups were 8.09 % - P (p=0.000), 8.25% - NP (p=0.000) respectively from BL - wk 5. The median distress level...