Cancer

Question 1

Progressive weight loss and muscle wasting due to cancer is called what?

Answer 1

cancer cachexia

Question 2

What is the treatment for cachexia?

Answer 2

• treat reversible causes first
• enteral/parenteral support (but does not reverse syndrome)
• progestational agents and corticosteroids (increase appetite and weight but no change in survival rate)

Question 3

Patients with cancer are at a high risk of what?

Answer 3

malnutrition

Question 4

Weight loss of > ___% has a negative impact on cancer prognosis.

Answer 4

> 5%

Question 5

What side effects affect weight in the early course of cancer?

Answer 5

GI side effects

Question 6

What is the preferred method of nutritional intake in patients with cancer?

Answer 6

oral route

Question 7

What are the 4 major points of nutritional support in cancer patients?

Answer 7

• encourage calorie and protein-dense foods
• small frequent meals/snacks
• oral supplements
• modify foods and textures per side effects of treatment

Question 8

What type of formulas may provide clinical benefit in GI or HENT cancers?

Answer 8

immune modulating formulas

Question 9

What is an accepted practice with HENT cancer patients to reduce treatment induced weight loss?

Answer 9

prophylactic feeding tubes

Question 10

When is parenteral nutrition indicated for cancer patients?

Answer 10

when oral is inadequate and EN not feasible or contraindicated

Question 11

There is an increased risk of ______ in patients on PN undergoing chemo.

Answer 11

infections

Question 12

What is the difference in acute vs. chronic GVHD?

Answer 12

acute = <100 days (more common)
chronic = >100 days

Question 13

What is often accepted as the standard of nutrition support during the acute post transplant period?

Answer 13

PN

Question 14

What are the indications for a low bacteria diet?

Answer 14

• ANC <500
• 50 days post autologous SCT
• 100 days post allogeneic SCT