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The role of nutrition in coping with
radiotherapy
It is often assumed that there little can be done outside of orthodox medicine for patients who undergo radiotherapy treatment for cancerous
tumours. However, research studies in the last few years have demonstrated that this is not the case - there are choices available to patients which have been shown to offer significant help.
Researchers at the Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia have estimated that over 30 per cent of cancer patients undergoing major upper gastro-intestinal procedures
(eg. radiotherapy, chemotherapy and gastrointestinal resection) suffer from chronic bowel discomfort which can cause
diarrhoea, irritable bowels and significant malnutrition (1). The malnutrition occurs as a result of diminished nutrient intake, increased nutrient losses, and metabolic abnormalities caused by the tumour itself. In a review of more than 3000 cancer patients, scientists have identified that nutritional support significantly improves survival rates and recommends that nutritional needs of patients should always be reviewed to reduce the risk of post-operative complications(2).
The evidence from a research study at the Department of Surgery, University of Aberdeen, UK (3) came to the same conclusion but was more specific in its recommendations. According to the report, it is particularly important to ensure that the patients' nutritional needs are considered and nutritional support given throughout the treatment period, and for at least 10 days, to effectively reduce morbidity and mortality rates. The report acknowledged that specific nutrients
(eg. amino-acids and essential fatty acids) improve the bodies own anti-cancer defence mechanisms as well as control nitrogen metabolism and tumour growth. Arginine (one of the essential amino-acids) and all of the essential fatty acids have been shown to stimulate
anti-tumour defence mechanisms in the body and some also inhibit tumour cell metabolism. Diet and nutrition say the researchers, "offer exciting possibilities for the innovative management of malignant disease".
A further study undertaken at the Department of Surgery, Hospital San Sebastian, Universidad de
Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain (4) also found that nutrition can play a vital role in patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Ninety-three cancer patients who were about to undergo radiotherapy were closely monitored to establish whether their diets would make any difference to the outcome of the treatment and, in particular, to the
side-effects associated with the treatment itself.
All of the patients were affected by cancer of the head and neck, breast, or abdomen/pelvis. They were randomly assigned into control and
experimental groups. The patients from the control group were allowed to eat whatever they chose in whatever quantities they chose, but the patients in the experimental group were given a strict nutritional protocol to ensure that all of their nutritional needs were met. Data were collected the day before radiotherapy commenced and the day treatment ended and the results revealed that the patients in the treatment group (especially those with head/neck and
abdomino-pelvic cancers) fared significantly better than the control group.
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A reduced fat diet
The occurrence of chronic diarrhoea induced by radiotherapy was also evaluated in 173 consecutive patients previously treated with radiation for gynaecological cancers(5). The researchers discovered that
bile acid malabsorption is a common cause of diarrhoea after radiation treatment for gynaecological cancer, and therefore looked at ways of improving
absorbtion. The results of their study demonstrated supplementing the patients' diets with essential fatty acids not only reduced the incidence of
diarrhoea, but also significantly enhanced conventional treatment of antibiotics or bile acid
sequestrants.
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Live yoghurt and fermented milk products
Researchers in Sweden (6) have discovered that live yoghurt and fermented milk products may offer one answer for patients suffering from chronic bowel discomfort which is a common side -effect of radiotherapy. In a preliminary study carried out at the Department of Oncology, University Hospital, Ume in Sweden, the researchers monitored 40 consecutive patients suffering from
diarrhoea, indigestion and irritable bowels following radiotherapy of pelvic
tumours. The results showed that all conditions were allevaited and the report concluded that "a more extensive study is warranted in order to verify the significance of the results and to find the optimal product."
References
(1) Daly JM; Redmond HP; Gallagher H. Perioperative nutrition in cancer patients.
Journal of Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition (UNITED STATES) Nov-Dec 1992, 16.
(2) American Journal of Medicine 69:491-497, 1980
(3) Heys SD; Park KG; Garlick PJ; Eremin O. Nutrition and malignant disease: implications for surgical practice. British Journal of Surgery (ENGLAND) Jul 1992, 79 (7) p614-23
(4)Macia E; Moran J; Santos J; Blanco M; Mahedero G; Salas J. Nutritional evaluation and dietetic care in cancer patients treated withradiotherapy: prospective study.Nutrition (UNITED STATES) May-Jun 1991, 7 (3) p205-9
(5) Danielsson A; Nyhlin H; Persson H; Stendahl U; Stenling R; Suhr O. Chronic diarrhoea after radiotherapy for gynaecological cancer: occurrence
and aetiology. Department of Medicine, University Hospital, Ume.ANG.a, Sweden.
Gut (ENGLAND) Oct 1991, 32 (10) p1180-7
(6) Henriksson R; Franzen L; Sandstrom K; Nordin A; Arevarn M; Grahn E Effects of active addition of bacterial cultures in fermented milk to patients with chronic bowel discomfort following irradiation. Support Care Cancer (GERMANY) Jan 1995, 3 (1) p81-3
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This page was last updated on 07 July 2000 10:11:59
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