Trismus, xerostomia and nutrition status in nasopharyngeal carcinoma survivors treated with radiation
Journal
European Journal of Cancer Care
Journal Volume
25
Journal Issue
3
Pages
440-448
Date Issued
2016
Author(s)
Chen Y.-J.
Chen S.-C.
Chiang C.-C.
Abstract
The aims of the study were to: (1) examine levels of trismus, xerostomia and nutritional status; (2) compare levels of trismus, xerostomia and nutritional status in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) receiving different types of radiation modalities; and (3) identify factors related to NPC survivors' risk status for malnutrition and existing malnutrition. A cross-sectional study with consecutive sampling was conducted. NPC survivors were recruited from otolaryngology/oncology outpatient clinics in a medical centre in Northern Taiwan. Study measures included (1) Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire, (2) Xerostomia Questionnaire, (3) Mini Nutrition Assessment, (4) Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Depression subscale, and (5) Symptom Severity Scale. A total of 110 subjects were recruited. Those receiving intensity-modulated radiation therapy had less trismus and xerostomia than patients receiving two-dimensional radiation therapy. Patients with female gender, advanced stage, completion of treatments within 1 year, higher levels of depression, more severe trismus and higher symptom severity tended to have malnutrition or were at risk of malnutrition. Trismus and xerostomia are long-term problems in some NPC survivors and may contribute to malnutrition. To better manage a patient's trismus and xerostomia and to enhance nutritional status, clinicians should develop a patient-specific care programme based on careful assessment and targeted measures to improve oral function and insure adequate nutritional intake. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Other Subjects
adverse effects; cross-sectional study; Depressive Disorder; female; health status indicator; human; intensity modulated radiation therapy; male; malnutrition; middle aged; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; nutritional status; radiation response; trismus; xerostomia; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depressive Disorder; Female; Health Status Indicators; Humans; Male; Malnutrition; Middle Aged; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Nutritional Status; Radiotherapy; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated; Trismus; Xerostomia
Publisher
Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Type
journal article