Effects of Oral L-Glutamine in Head and Neck Cancer Patients During Radiotherapy

L-Glutamine and maltodextrin are both nutritional supplements. In the glutamine arm: 10 g L-Glutamine and 5 g maltodextrin. The patients take their supplements three times a day during the period: 7 days before radiotherapy to 14 days after radiotherapy.

in the placebo arm: 15 g maltodextrin. The patients take their supplements three times a day during the period: 7 days before radiotherapy to 14 days after radiotherapy.

All patients undergo radiotherapy. 5 days a week. All patients had a dental evaluation for good oral hygiene prior to computed tomography simulation for radiotherapy. Post-operative patients received planned course of adjuvant treatment of 60 to 66 Gy in 2-Gy fractions to the surgical bed. The course of radiation was initiated no more than 6 weeks after resection. Patients without operation received definitive treatment to 70 Gy in 2-Gy fractions.