I would think the notation, "required the use of feeding tube..." means to have required the need to have used it for nutrition. It didn't say if they already had one inserted prior to treatment or needing one placed during treatment or if used solely, partially, as the only means for nutrition, but at some point it was required to use. It's a small study, but not surprising findings, to me.
The article also mentions an ongoing randomized phase ll/lll trial at MDAnderson during the next 5 years with IMPT vs IMRT.