Abstract
Introduction Critical weight loss is defined as an unintentional weight loss of ≥ 5% at 1 month
or ≥ 10% at 6 months from the start of treatment. Critical weight loss leads to deterioration
of the immune function and reduced tolerance to treatment (surgery ± radiochemotherapy)
as well as increased complication rates.
Objective Critical weight loss, defined as a weight loss of ≥ 5% after 1 month or ≥ 10% after
6 months from the start of treatment, is not uncommon in head and neck cancer patients.
We aimed to assess the factors associated with critical weight loss during the treatment
of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma patients.
Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed at the Aga Khan University Hospital, in
Karachi, Pakistan, on 125 patients. Patients receiving adjuvant therapy were considered
exposed, and the outcome was critical weight loss.
Results The mean age of presentation was 46.9 ± 12.8 years in patients undergoing surgery
and adjuvant therapy, with 119 (79.3%) of them being male and 31 (20.7%) female. One
hundred and twelve patients (81.3%) developed critical weight loss at 6 months from
the start of treatment, and the only significant variable associated with critical
weight loss was the stage of the disease (p = 0.03).
Conclusion A large proportion of patients with oral cancer developed critical weight loss requiring
a need for intervention. The overall stage of the disease is a significant predictor
of critical weight loss in patients undergoing treatment.
Keywords
weight loss - mouth neoplasm - radiotherapy - surgery - oral
