Optimal enteral nutritional support as an adjunct to breast cancer chemotherapy: preliminary report.

Abstract

Malnutrition is a recognized problem in cancer patients. It remains to be determined whether nutritional support can prevent or delay the onset of nutritional deterioration which is usually associated with an increased susceptibility to infectious disease and poor response to therapy. In the present study, well‐nourished breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy have been followed for 3 to 12 months to determine the effects of nutritional support on their nutrient intake, nutritional status, immune function and disease state. For the present, eight patients have been given a nutritional supplement (S–‐Isocal or Sustacal) to be taken along with self‐selected regular foods and nine patients were maintained on self‐selected regular foods only (US). Information was obtained on a regular basis concerning dietary intakes. Records of taste and appetite changes and GI complaints were kept along with weights and estimates of protein intake. The differences between the S and the US groups have been: 1. The S group met their protein allowance according to the RDA and the US group did not; 2. The S group reported fewer taste abnormalities and the US group reported strong tastes and desires for cold, sweet, protein free drinks; 3. Immune competency improved in one S patient and deteriorated in one US patient; and 4. Mid‐arm muscle circumferences increased or remained the same in six S patients and decreased in 7 US. One might reasonably expect that this continued course of dietary pattern in the US group, deficient protein intake, would lead to nutritional deterioration.