Effect of Omega-3 Supplements on the Prevention of Cachexia in Head and Neck Cancer Treated With Radio(Chemo)Therapy

Inclusion Criteria:

• Histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region,generally cancer of the oral cavity, (naso)pharynx and larynx. Cancer of the parotidgland, or nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are excluded, as well as cT1 N0 M0tumours of the glottis.

• Primary cancer or relapse, eligible for primary or adjuvant radiotherapy with orwithout systemic treatment, with curative intent

• TNM stage I to IVB, without distant metastases

• Patients should be older than 18 at the time of enrolment

• Patients should be able to adequately communicate in Dutch or French

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients younger than 18 years at the time of recruitment

• Pregnant or lactating women

• Patients presenting with another non-cured cancer (PSA or CEA not within normal rangeas determined by the treating physician)

• Patients that already underwent a radio(chemo)therapy treatment within the last 6months

• Patients taking oral anticoagulants or LMWH at therapeutic doses

• Patients taking anti-epileptics

• Patients with an indication of heart failure NYHA 3 or 4, or presence of animplantable cardioverter-defibrillator

• Patients with a pacemaker will be excluded from BIA-analysis

• Patients presenting with active intestinal co-morbidity, precluding adequate dietaryintake or interfering with the absorption of the nutritional supplements (eg Crohn'sdisease)

• Patients with a known eating disorder (eg anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa)

• Patients with uncontrollable diabetes

• HIV-positive patients

• Patients with (severe) dementia (DSM-IV criteria)

• Patients actively taking fish oil, echium oil or omega-3 FA supplements in the last 4weeks before enrolment