Nutritional Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer

Patients with head and neck cancer face great challenges in maintaining optimal nutrition since both the disease itself and treatments, especially surgery and concurrent chemoradiotherapy, have a significant negative impact on the nutritional status. A fundamental understanding of the nutrient metabolism of patients with head and neck cancer will aid in treatment selection. In this review, metabolic abnormalities presented in patients with head and neck cancer are discussed, together with methods of nutritional support, dietary intervention, and potential roles of phytonutrients, probiotics, and exercise in nutritional therapy for head and neck cancer patients.