Exploring G‐Tube Timing and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck Receiving Chemoradiation
Cameron Chalker, Jason C. Burton, Andy Kaempf, Jeong Youn Lim, Sarah Lowry, Erynn A. Beeson, Katherine Bagwell, Timur Mitin, Chetan V. Vakkalagadda, Jeremy Cetnar, Eric J. RoelandABSTRACT
Background
G‐tube placement timing remains poorly characterized in patients with localized head and neck cancer (HNSCC) undergoing definitive chemoradiation (dCRT).
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 144 patients with HNSCC who received dCRT (2019–2024), categorized by “upfront” or “as‐needed” G‐tube strategy, to explore factors associated with timing and outcomes using propensity score weighting.
Results
Most patients were White (85%) and male (83%); median age was 63 years. Upfront G‐tube placement occurred in 60 patients (42%) and was more common among women (64% vs. 37%, p = 0.015) and those with dysphagia (55% vs. 28%, p = 0.001) or receiving induction chemotherapy (71% vs. 38%, p = 0.023). dCRT duration, weight loss, ED visits, hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and survival did not differ. Upfront placement was associated with lower odds of chemotherapy modification (73% lower, p = 0.007) and fewer infusion clinic visits (average 3 fewer, p = 0.038).
Conclusion
These findings suggest multiple factors influence G‐tube timing and outcomes, warranting prospective validation.