Sonbol, M.B., Firwana, B., Diab, M., Zarzour, A., & Witzig, T.E. (2015). The effect of a neutropenic diet on infection and mortality rates in cancer patients: A meta-analysis. Nutrition and Cancer, 67, 1230–1238.
STUDY PURPOSE: To evaluate the evidence to determine if a neutropenic diet decreases infection and the mortality rates of patients with cancer at risk for neutropenia
TYPE OF STUDY: Meta-analysis and systematic review
No differences in major infection rates were observed between those on regular diets and those on neutropenic diets. The risk of infection was higher in the neutropenic diet group (risk ratio [RR] = 1.18, p = 0.007), based upon inclusion of a large observational study. When removed, no differences existed between groups. No differences in mortality rates were observed.
The use of a neutropenic diet is not shown to reduce infection or mortality rates among patients with cancer at risk for neutropenia.
Questions have been raised regarding whether diet restrictions in neutropenic patients should be recommended or whether the focus should be on patient food choices and relaxing diet restrictions to improve nutritional intake and associated quality of life. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to provide strong evidence in this area.