Exercise and Nutrition Therapy in a Patient With Glottic Cancer Cachexia Undergoing Chemoradiotherapy: A Case Report

Cancer cachexia is a common complication in patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for head and neck cancer (HNC), leading to skeletal muscle loss, decreased physical function, and poor prognosis. Cachexia is frequently observed in patients with HNC, yet evidence supporting effective therapeutic interventions remains limited. We present the case of a man in his 60s with glottic cancer who developed sarcopenia and cancer cachexia following hospitalization for CRT. The patient received a multidisciplinary intervention combining individualized exercise therapy and oral nutritional supplementation tailored to his clinical status. The rehabilitation program was performed five times per week at moderate intensity and included both resistance and aerobic exercises. Following the intervention, the patient maintained skeletal muscle mass and improved physical function despite adverse effects associated with CRT. This case highlights the potential role of multidisciplinary rehabilitation in attenuating functional decline and preventing further muscle loss in patients with HNC undergoing CRT.