Lean Body Mass in Head and Neck Cancer Patients During Cisplatin-based Chemoradiation

The primary aim of the present study is to investigate the rate of decline in body composition (LBM, body weight and fat mass) as well as changes in maximal muscle strength and functional performance during radiation treatment in HNSCC patients and to investigate the association between the loss of LBM and impairments in maximal muscle strength and functional performance. Secondly, the study investigates whether adding cisplatin during chemoradiation induces exacerbated LBM loss compared to radiation alone.

50 patients are expected to be included in the study. Inclusion criteria are: (1) histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, pharynx, or oral cavity, (2) prescribed to radical or post-operative radiotherapy of at least 60 Gy with or without concomitant chemotherapy. Exclusion criteria were palliative radiation or participation in competing research protocols.

Five times during treatment (biweekly), patients will be asked to undergo a Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry scan to evaluate changes in lean body mass and fat mass. Before and after treatment patients are asked to perform three test for maximal muscle strength (one repetition maximum knee extension, chest press and leg press) as well as three functional performance test (30 s arm curl, 30 s chair rise and stair climb).