Impact of Nutritional Risk, Pre-Treatment Malnutrition, and Cachexia on Mortality, Local Recurrence, and Metastasis in Head and Neck Cancer: Findings from a Five-Year Prospective Cohort Study

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Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a prevalent malignancy with rising incidence and poor five-year survival rates due to local recurrence and metastasis.
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Malnutrition and cachexia significantly impact the prognosis of HNC patients, exacerbating metabolic disorders and inflammation.
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This five-year prospective cohort study evaluated the relationship between pre-treatment nutritional parameters and clinical outcomes in HNC patients.
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The study included 84 patients with squamous cell HNC, assessing nutritional risk using tools like PG-SGA and WLGS before treatment.
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Findings highlight the need for improved nutritional assessment in HNC to potentially enhance patient outcomes and reduce mortality.

Bmc Cancer

by Emanuelle do Nascimento Santos Lima, Isabela Borges Ferreira, Yara Cristina de Paiva Maia, Geórgia das Graças Pena
January 17, 2026

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