title: Enteral nutrition support of head and neck cancer patients.
abstract: Patients with head and neck cancer are at high risk for malnutrition due to dysphagia from the tumor and treatment. Despite difficulty with oral intake, these patients usually have a normal stomach and lower gastrointestinal tract. Enteral nutrition support via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) administered in the home by the patient helps to prevent weight loss, dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, treatment interruptions, and hospitalizations. It also improves quality of life. Successful management of these patients requires orderly care and follow-up by a multidisciplinary nutrition team.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA.
authors.forename: Aleksandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Raykher
authors.forename: Lianne
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schattner
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Schwartz
authors.forename: Burma
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: Moshe
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shike
mesh_terms: D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000379:methods*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome