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Prophylactic gastrostomy tubes for patients receiving radical radiotherapy for head and neck cancers
Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology (JMIRO), 10/05/09

Chang J et al. – By multivariate analysis, those with PGTs lost 5.2% less weight than the control group. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to admissions for nutritional reasons or treatment interruptions. The use of PGTs can reduce weight loss in patients undergoing radical radiotherapy for head and neck cancers, and its use should be further evaluated in future studies.

Exclusive Author Commentary
Dr Sarat Chander, 10/06/09

This is a small restrospective study comparing prophylactic gastrostomy (PGT) placement (study group), which was a more recent change in management with our older practice of "reactive" nasogastric or gastrostomy placement(control group). Though most of the variables analysed did not reach statistical significance, possibly due to small numbers, patients with PGT did show a 5% reduction in weight loss on multivariate analysis. This in the least gives us direction that a prospective trial comparing prophylactic intervention (such as PGT or NGT) could be compared with a "reactive" intervention. Additional quality of life, and cosmetic perceptions could also be evaluated. None of the patients who had PGT placement in this group had any complications, prophylactic placement was well tolerated and particularly well accepted for cosmetic reasons.

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