Dobrila-Dintinjana, R., Trivanovic, D., Zelic, M., Radic, M., Dintinjana, M., Petranovic, D., . . . Matijasic, N. (2013). Nutritional support in patients with colorectal cancer during chemotherapy: Does it work? Hepato-Gastroenterology, 60, 475–480.
To determine if dietary counseling, oral nutrition, and megestrol acetate affect nutritional status and survival in patients with advanced cancer
Consecutive patients were given nutritional counseling, 400 mg per day megestrol, oral supplements of 600 kcal per day, and a product containing eicosapentaenoic acid with an additional 600 kcal. Prospective patients were then compared to historical controls when nutritional supplements were not available in the country. Patients were followed for up to 24 weeks.
Prospective and observational with a historical control comparison
This study reports a higher prevalence of diarrhea and water retention in patients receiving nutritional intervention. It reports a lower prevalence of loss of appetite at 12 weeks in those given the intervention compared to historical controls (p = .0046) and improvement of appetite by 12 weeks in the intervention group (p = .0046). Survival curve analysis showed improved survival among those who received the intervention (p = .022)
Oral dietary supplements and nutritional counseling may benefit patients with advanced colorectal cancer.
Dietary counseling and provision of oral nutritional supplements may be of benefit to patients.