What are the goals of nutrition during radiation therapy for the head and neck ?

Diet with radiation: Because radiation therapy to head and neck often has a profound effect on the ability to ear, loss of appetite, nausea and subsequent weight loss, the patient must be treated to prevent mal-nutrition. Often a stomach tube is inserted so a nutritious diet can be given during the radiation therapy period.

Anabolic state: Goal is to keep the body in a healthy maintenance state. Not loosing weight is important. Helps immune system stay strong and not alter anatomy important in radiation treatment accuracy.