Nutritional Management of Primary Brain Tumors

Question 1

Tru or False: Benign brain tumors can be equally serious as malignant brain tumors.

Answer 1

True; benign brain tumors can still be disabling or life-threatening due to pressure on and destruction of normal brain tissue

Question 2

True or False: Treatment for primary and secondary brain tumors are generally very similar.

Answer 2

False; treatment options for secondary brain tumors depend largely on where the cancer originated

Question 3

What are the most common side effects reported by patients undergoing brain radiation therapy?

Answer 3

• Poor appetite
• Fatigue
• N/V
• Alopecia
• Hypogeusia (partial loss of taste)

Question 4

What are nutrition impact symptoms associated with Temozolomide (Temodar), a chemo used for primary brain tumors?

Answer 4

• N/V/C, fatigue
• Take on empty stomach

Question 5

What are nutrition impact symptoms associated with Procarbazine (Matulane), a chemo used for primary brain tumors?

Answer 5

• N/V, anorexia, stomatitis
• Avoid alcohol and tyramine-rich foods

Question 6

What are nutrition impact symptoms associated with Lomustine (CCNU, CeeNU), a chemo used for primary brain tumors?

Answer 6

• N/V, anorexia, stomatitis
• Avoid alcohol

Question 7

What are nutrition impact symptoms associated with Vincristine (Oncovin), a chemo used for primary brain tumors?

Answer 7

• N/V/C, weight loss
• Avoid alcohol

Question 8

What are nutrition impact symptoms associated with Irinotecan (Camptosar), a chemo used for primary brain tumors?

Answer 8

• N/V/D, anorexia

Question 9

What are nutrition impact symptoms associated with Carmustine (Gliadel wafer), a chemo used for primary brain tumors?

Answer 9

• N/V

Question 10

What are nutrition impact symptoms associated with Bevacizumab (Avastin), a targeted therapy used for primary brain tumors?

Answer 10

• N/V/C/D, anorexia, stomatitis

Question 11

What ketogenic ratios are often used to achieve ketosis?

Answer 11

4:1 and 3:1 (fat (g): CHO + protein (g))
3:1 = 87% of energy derived from fat
4:1 = 90% of energy derived from fat

Question 12

What nutrition intervention may be able to prevent or treat hyperlipidemia, carnitine deficiency, or pancreatitis when caused by a ketogenic diet?

Answer 12

Carnitine supplementation