Relationship of protein and calorie intake to the severity of oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiation therapy.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of calorie and protein intake to the severity of oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiation therapy.

Methods: Patients with head and neck cancer undergoing ≥60 Gy of radiation were eligible. Weekly data were collected for oral mucositis grade and protein and calorie intake.