What are the general principles of nutrition therapy for a patient undergoing treatment for a malignancy?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

• Provide interventions to maintain adequate protein and energy intake to prevent malnutrition/cancer cachexia
• Provide interventions to treat the common side effects of cancer treatment:
- Nausea/vomiting
Small, low fat meals; avoid favorite foods when nauseous; avoid odorous foods; take antiemetic medication prior to meals
- Early satiety
Small frequent meals; consume nutrient-providing beverages between meals; avoid high-fiber foods
- Mucositis
Soft, non-fibrous, non-acidic foods; avoid hot foods; non-acidic juices/beverages to prevent dehydration; calorically-dense and protein-dense nutritional supplemental liquids may help meet intake requirements
- Diarrhea
Drink small amounts of fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration; avoid excessive intake of fructose containing beverages (e.g. fruit juices); consume good sources of soluble fiber and choose low fat foods.
- Dysgeusia
Incorporate alternative high-protein foods (e.g. peanut butter, cheese, soy meat substitutes) due to problems associated with meats; encourage use of spices and marinades to flavor foods
- Xerostomia
Sugar-free gum or sour candy to stimulate saliva production; avoid alcohol based mouthwashes; use lozenges and mouth-moisturizing gels. Drink frequently – use moist foods.
- Anorexia
Small, frequent meals; maximize consumption when appetite is highest; don't consume empty calorie liquids during meals that prevent consumption of adequate calories and protein; mild exercise to stimulate hunger; use of energy- and protein-dense nutritional supplements
• Abstain from alcohol or limit to less than one drink per day.