Cancer: Impact of nutrition intervention outcome - Nutrition issues for patients

OBJECTIVE: We examined nutritional issues, assessment, and intervention str ategies for patients with cancer. METHODS: Reviews of practice guidelines and published reports were used to identify nutritional issues and strategies that can benefit patients with c ancer. RESULTS:. Assessment tools such as the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment are useful in terms of identifying patients with nutrition issue s and guiding intervention. However, quality of life and other measures sho uld also be considered. There is a need for early and ongoing nutrition int erventions. CONCLUSIONS: Encourage patients to try a new food or supplement on days whe n they are not receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy because it may r esult in better tolerance. Screen patients to determine their nutritional s tatus. Closely monitor. changes in weight, food intake, and symptoms such a s nausea and vomiting. Refer to a registered dietitian for a complete nutri tion assessment and individualized counseling. Nutrition 2001;17:769-772. ( C) Elsevier Science Inc. 2001.