Feeding Tube in Cancer Patients

The purpose of this study is to compare the quality of life (QOL) in head and neck patients who are given the GJ tube (which is placed in the bowel) versus those who are given the G-Tube (which is placed in the stomach) for prophylactic feeding. The standard of care for patients at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) is using GJ tubes. Patients who agree to be in the study will be randomized to either the GJ-Tube or the G-Tube arm. Patients randomized to the G-tube will receive prophylactic intravenous and oral antibiotics prior to insertion of the G-tube. Antibiotics will be given for a total of 1 week. A few hours following tube insertion (on return to PMH ward), patients will complete a single item, visual analogue pain scale (VAS). Patients will remain in hospital for a minimum of 24 hours and until the patient and/or family is able to care for the Enteric Feeding(EF) device at home. Patients randomized to the GJ-Tube may receive i.v medication during the procedure. All Patients will be asked to fill out several questionnaires at different time- points of the study. All Patients will have regular assessments to evaluate their overall quality of Life, toxicity, and how they respond to treatment during the study. Patients will also be assessed after they completed study treatment.