Sandmæl JA, et al. – The feasibility of an exercise and nutrition intervention during radiotherapy (RT) compared with after RT was assessed, as well as, preliminary effects on skeletal muscle mass were investigated. Researchers found an exercise and nutrition intervention feasible for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) during RT. The intervention was potentially effective in mitigating loss of muscle mass both during and after RT.

Methods

• They randomized patients with HNC to an exercise and nutrition intervention during RT (EN-DUR) or after RT (EN-AF).
• They regulated the EN-DUR intervention at a hospital and the EN-AF intervention at a rehabilitation center.
• Progressive resistance training (PRT) and oral nutritional supplements (ONS) were involved in the interventions.
• They weekly tracked feasibility outcomes.
• Computed tomography scans before and after RT and at 2 months follow-up estimated muscle mass.

Results

• 41 (82%) agreed to participate, among the 50 eligible patients.
• In addition, 90% of patients completed the EN-DUR intervention and the adherence to PRT and ONS was 81% and 57%, respectively.
• EN-AF intervention was attended by 52% of patients and adherence to PRT and ONS was 94% and 76%, respectively.
• They reported a trend toward mitigating loss of muscle mass during RT in the EN-DUR.
• A similar trend after RT was observed in the EN-AF.
• There was no difference in muscle mass between the groups from baseline to week 14.