Retrospective analysis of nutritional status of 68 patients with malignant tumors before primary radiotherapy

Abstract

Objective To retrospectively analyze the nutritional status of patients with malignant tumors prior to the primary radiotherapy, aiming to to provide clinical evidence for the rational application of nutritional support during radiotherapy. Methods The nutritional status of 68 patients with malignant tumors admitted our department from August 2016 to May 2017 was investigated. All patients received primary radiotherapy. The Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 was utilized to assess the nutrition risk. The body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin, total protein, albumin, pre-albumin and C-reactive protein levels were detected and statistically analyzed. Results The incidence of nutritional risk of 68 patients with primary radiotherapy was 6%, and the incidence of malnutrition was 5.9%.All patients presenting with nutritional risk and malnutrition were diagnosed with head and neck and gynecological malignant tumors. Twenty-four patients had elevated levels of C-reactive protein, 16 had decreased levels of hemoglobin, 17 developed decreased levels of prealbumin, 1 had a decline in the level of albumin and 5 presented with a decrease in the levels of total protein. The nutritional status and clinical parameters were evaluated between patients who had/had not received chemotherapy before radiotherapy. The BMI, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin and prealbumin levels significantly differed between two groups (all P<0.01), whereas the remaining parameters did not significantly differ. The BMI, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin and prealbumin levels significantly differed between patients who had/had not underwent surgery prior to radiotherapy (all P<0.01). Conclusions Analysis of the nutritional status of patients receiving primary radiotherapy demonstrates that patients with head and neck, and gynecological malignant tumors are more likely to suffer from nutritional risk and malnutrition compared with those with other types of malignant tumors. Compared with patients who have not received chemotherapy/surgery before radiotherapy, those who have underwent chemotherapy/surgery have worse nutritional status. Besides, more significant changes are observed in the levels of C-reactive protein, hemoglobin and prealbumin than the levels of albumin and total protein. Key words: Nutrition status; Nutritional support; Neoplasms/radiotherapy