Circulating fatty acids in patients with head and neck cancer after treatment: an explorative study with a one-year perspective

Abstract

Background Unintended weight loss and nutritional problems are often seen in patients with head and neck cancer, but changes in lipid metabolism are poorly studied. Aim/Objectives The present study aimed to explore the longitudinal changes in circulating fatty acid (FA) composition in patients with head and neck cancer. Materials and methods This study included 27 patients with head and neck cancer. Treatment consisted of single modality or combined modality treatments. The patients were assessed by repeated blood sampling and body weight assessments before treatment started and on three occasions after the start of treatment. FA profiling included gas chromatography analysis of unsaturated FAs and saturated FAs in serum. Results The values of three fatty acids – FA 14:0, FA 18:3n3, and FA 20:3n6 – changed in a specific pattern over the course of the study and the change in FA 14:0 correlated with weight changes. Conclusions and significance This study showed altered profiles of both saturated and unsaturated FAs. An improved understanding of the metabolic pathways in patients with head and neck cancer supports the development of better nutritional surveillance and nutritional treatments.