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Objective: To assess variations in nutritional interventions during chemoradiotherapy (CRT) among the Dutch Head and Neck Oncology centres (HNOCs). Methods: An online questionnaire about nutritional interventions and dietetic practices was sent to 14 oncology dietitians of the HNOCs. Results: The response rate was 93%. The number of scheduled dietetic consultations varied from two to seven during CRT. Most centres (77%) reported using a gastrostomy for tube feeding in the majority of patients. Gastrostomies were placed prophylactically upon indication (39%) or in all patients (15%), reactive (15%), or both (31%). For calculating energy requirements, 54% of the dietitians used the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization and United Nations University (FAO/WHO/UNU) formula and 77% uses 1.2–1.5 g/kg body weight for calculating protein requirements. Almost half of the centres (46%) reported to remove the gastrostomy between 8 and 12 weeks after CR. Most centres (92%) reported to end dietary treatment within 6 months after CRT. Conclusion: This study shows substantial variation in dietetic practice, especially in the use of a gastrostomy for tube feeding, between the HNOCs. There is a need for concise dietetic guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To gain insight into the level of unmet needs and limitations in physical health experienced by survivors of head and neck cancer, and to evaluate whether unmet needs in physical health and limitations in physical performance are associated. Materials and methods: In this cross‐sectional study, unmet needs were measured with Supportive Care Needs Surveys (SCNS‐SF34, SCNS‐HNC). Limitations in physical health were measured for maximal mouth opening, neck and shoulder function, hand grip strength and lower body strength, level of mobility and walking ability. Results: The SCNSs showed that 48% had a cancer generic unmet need and 46% had at least one HNC‐specific unmet need. In total, 76% of sHNC had a cancer generic limitation in physical health and that 58% had an HNC‐specific limitation in the mobility of neck and shoulders or maximum mouth opening. The domain of physical and daily living needs showed a weak association with lateral flexion of the neck to the left (R = −0.319; p = 0.024). Conclusion: Survivors of HNC might benefit from the use of both SCNSs and physical performance measurements during usual care follow‐up for early and optimal identification of unmet needs and limitations in physical health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]