App-based Recording and Optimization of the Nutritional Status in Patients With Head and Neck Tumors During and After Radio(Chemo)Therapy

Patients with head and neck cancer requiring definitive or adjuvant radio(chemo)therapy can take part in the study. The aim is to record the nutritional status and diet of the patients during the trial and regularly at a period of 8 weeks after irradiation and to reduce the rate of weight loss and malnutrition.

Patients in the experimental arm receive the daily reminder message via app (Emento) that they should pay attention to adequate caloric intake. In addition, these patients receive 3 screening questions about their current health and nutritional status twice a week.

In case of relevant deterioration (any negative value in the screening questions is explained under study procedure), additional further questions are asked, which are specifically aimed at the side effects of the tumor therapy (mainly dysphagia, pain). The answers will be transmitted to the radiation clinic.

If a question is answered positively, this is reported to the radiotherapy clinic on the one hand and on the other hand, the patient is asked to consult the doctor in the clinic as soon as possible.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients with squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck region, who receive a postsurgical or definitive radio(chemo)therapy
• Patients who have a smartphone on which the Emento app can be installed
• Minimum age 18 years

Exclusion criteria

• Patients who are represented by a legal guardian
• Patients who are not suitable for participation in the study due to a language barrier