The Impact of Critical Weight Loss and Reactive Feeding Tubes on Cancer-Specific Survival in Head and Neck Cancer.

Critical weight loss (CWL) continues to be a major issue in head and neck cancer (HNC) and many patients require tube feeding. We investigated the use of reactive feeding tubes (RFTs), associated CWL, and the impact on cancer-specific survival (CSS). A single-institution, retrospective audit was conducted on 460 adult HNC patients who received radiotherapy +/- chemotherapy between 2005 and 2017. CSS in patients with CWL and RFTs was compared to those with no tube. Prediction analysis for RFT insertion was also performed. CWL occurred in 53% of patients, and in 88% of those with a RFT (p < 0.001). In patients with CWL, those with a RFT had worse 5 and 10-year CSS compared to those with no tube (68% and 65% vs 83% and 80% respectively, p = 0.040) in multivariate Cox regression analysis. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy combined with CWL was the strongest predictor for RFT insertion (p = 0.003). CWL, combined with having a RFT, impacts negatively on CSS. CWL may be one of the triggers for RFT insertion, however those with no tube have better CSS. This may be due to higher weight loss levels seen in those who have a RFT, and earlier insertion to prevent such losses seems indicated.