Extrahepatic Bile Duct Cancer Treatments – Nutrition Therapy
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Nutrition Therapy for Extrahepatic Bile Duct Cancer
The National Cancer Institute has reported that approximately one-third of all cancer deaths are related to malnutrition. While optimal nutrition is important for everyone, for people fighting cancer, it is crucial.
Extrahepatic bile duct cancer and its treatment can deplete the body's vital nutrients, cause weight loss, and negatively affect the body's ability to digest foods. These factors may leave you in a vulnerable condition, with a high nutrient need and a low nutrient intake.
At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), we recognize that proper nutrition plays a crucial role in extrahepatic bile duct cancer treatment. That's why every patient who comes to us for help receives a nutrition assessment and an individualized plan designed to prevent malnutrition, reduce treatment-related side effects, and enhance his or her overall well being.
The CTCA Nutrition and Metabolic Support Program provides quality care for you through a combination of assessment, education, supplementation, and support. Our nutrition team will first assess your risk for malnutrition, and then implement an individualized nutrition plan tailored to your needs.
Nutrition Assessment
As an extrahepatic bile duct cancer patient at CTCA, your dietitian will first assess your unique nutritional needs. This assessment may include:
- Laboratory analysis of the blood: This determines the status of your immune system (immunocompetence) and protein stores
- Medical history and nutrition interview: This offers the nutrition team insight into your appetite, food preferences, the status of your digestive system, and any existing or potential complications
- Computerized diet profile: This is a three-day nutrient intake analysis completed by you
- Nutrition anthropometrics: This takes body measurements to determine your percent of body fat and loss of lean tissue
After your admission to a CTCA facility for extrahepatic bile duct cancer treatment, our dietitians may perform additional tests, such as the following:
- Indirect calorimetry: A simple breathing test to measure your calorie requirements
- Nitrogen balance: A measurement of protein loss to determine if your body is using protein properly
Nutrition Plan
After the assessment, you and your dietitian will work together to develop an individualized nutrition plan designed to prevent malnutrition, reduce side effects, and improve your overall well being.
Diet
Throughout your extrahepatic bile duct cancer treatment, the CTCA nutrition team will encourage you to eat healthy foods that provide optimal nutritional benefit. Your dietitian will consult with you to develop an individualized meal plan. Selections may include fish, poultry, legumes, low-fat yogurt, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and cereals, and other healthy food choices. View our nutritional recipe cards.
Supplementation
Vitamin and mineral supplements can help provide nutrients that your everyday diet may not, and offer a boost where illness may have depleted nutrients in your body. The CTCA vitamin and mineral supplementation plan includes important nutrients that may help support your immune system and reduce toxic side effects of cancer treatment.
Your CTCA dietitian may recommend daily dosages of various nutrients, including the following:
- Beta carotene
- Selenium
- Vitamin C
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
- Vitamin E
- Others as appropriate
Nutritional Support
If you are unable to eat or digest food, the nutrition and metabolic support team—comprised of a doctor, registered dietitian, nurse, and pharmacist—will work closely with you to provide nutritional support. Your CTCA care team may provide nutrition for you parenterally (through a vein) or enterally (through a feeding tube).
Nutrition Education
Throughout your care at CTCA, you will have an opportunity to consult with registered dietitians who can provide advice and feedback. In addition, we offer programs and classes on nutrition and cancer, as well as regular cooking demonstrations. You'll also have access to books, articles and other publications on cancer and nutrition.
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