Immune Nutrition for Nutritional and Immune Support in Head and Neck Cancer Patients During Radiotherapy

This study focuses on improving the nutrition and immune system of patients with head and neck cancer during their radiotherapy treatment. Head and neck cancer can often lead to poor nutrition because of its location, and radiotherapy can make this problem worse. This can affect the success of the treatment. While guidelines suggest early nutritional support for these patients, there is no clear direction on what type of nutrition works best. Immunonutrition, which involves nutrients that help the immune system, has shown potential in reducing side effects from radiotherapy and improving immune response. This study aims to explore the benefits of immunonutrition on patients' nutrition, immune health, and overall quality of life during their radiotherapy. In this study, 48 patients with head and neck cancer who are about to start radiotherapy are given a special nutrition formula containing arginine, omega-3 fatty acids, and nucleotides. This formula is designed to support their immune system. Patients receive this formula along with guidance from dietitians and nurses throughout their treatment. The study measures the impact of this nutrition on radiotherapy side effects like mouth sores and swallowing difficulties, as well as changes in nutritional health, immune markers, and quality of life. These factors are assessed at different stages: before treatment, halfway through, and after completing radiotherapy. This approach helps to determine if immunonutrition can make a meaningful difference during cancer treatment.