Research on Longitudinal change trends and influencing factors of eating behaviour in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma undergoing radiotherapy

Background: Currently, the longitudinal changes in eating behaviour during radiotherapy and the effect of these changes on dietary intake in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma remain unclear. The purpose of the study was to observe the longitudinal changes in eating behaviour in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma undergoing radiotherapy, and to explore the key factors affecting dietary intake. Methods: : A total of 107 patients were enrolled. Data were collected at eight time points during radiotherapy. Results: After the commencement of radiotherapy, the eating behaviour of patients changed as expected. The intake of calories decreased gradually from 1180.86 ±545.28 kcal to 753.73 ±315.83 kcal. The mixed effect model showed that simultaneous chemotherapy (β =-243.62, P < 0.0001) and a high symptom score (β =-12.1618, P < 0.0001) decreased food intake, while the consumption of a general diet (β = 193.61, P < 0.0001) and oral nutritional supplements (β = 157.7, P < 0.0001) increased food intake. Conclusions: : The results of this study underline the importance of early identification of changes in eating behaviour in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients undergoing radiotherapy. Patients who are unable to consume a general diet or soft foods may ensure stable intake by increasing the frequency of meals and using oral nutritional supplements.