Researchers Urge Focus on Nutrition Research and Therapies for Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Proper nutrition plays a vital role in supporting individuals diagnosed with head and neck cancers, aiding in their overall well-being and helping them sustain strength during treatment. These cancers, primarily affecting the mouth, throat, and voice box, often result in symptoms that make eating difficult, such as trouble swallowing, pain, and taste changes. Treatment modalities like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can further exacerbate these issues, causing side effects such as dry mouth, nausea, gastrointestinal problems, and painful oral ulcers, which significantly hinder adequate nutrient intake.

Recently, Dr. Anna Arthur from the University of Kansas Cancer Center, along with a multidisciplinary team from KU Medical Center and the Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida, published a comprehensive article in The Lancet Oncology. The paper advocates for increased investment in nutrition-related research specific to head and neck cancers and proposes a strategic roadmap to address existing gaps. Head and neck cancers, which constitute about 4% of all cancers in the U.S., receive comparatively limited research funding, despite their high prevalence of malnutrition, affecting up to three-quarters of patients. Malnutrition in these patients is linked to higher mortality rates and reduced tolerance to cancer treatments.

Clinical experience underscores the critical need for nutrition counseling and intervention, especially since access to registered dietitians remains inadequate—only one dietitian is available for more than 2,300 patients in U.S. cancer centers, often due to lack of insurance coverage for nutritional services. Effective nutritional management—including tailored dietary advice, liquid diet recipes, and high-protein, high-calorie food plans—can significantly improve patient outcomes.

The article emphasizes eight key actions to enhance research and clinical practices, such as improving access to nutritional therapy, establishing reimbursement policies, addressing long-term nutritional needs, and expanding speech and psychological support. Overall, the authors advocate for stronger policies, increased funding, and better clinical protocols to improve survival, quality of life, and nutritional health for head and neck cancer patients.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-issue-prioritize-neck-cancer-nutrition.html