Nutrition Therapy for Kidney Cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute, about one-third of all cancer deaths are related to malnutrition. For cancer patients, optimal nutrition is important. Cancer can deplete your body's nutrients and cause weight loss. Cancer and cancer treatment can also have a negative effect on your appetite, and your body's ability to digest foods. These factors may leave you in a vulnerable condition - high nutrient need, and low nutrient intake.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, we believe that nutrition plays an important role in the treatment of cancer. That's why each patient who comes to us for help receives a nutrition assessment and an individualized plan designed to prevent malnutrition, reduce side effects and enhance his or her overall well being.

Our Mission

The CTCA nutrition program provides quality care for you through assessment, education, supplementation and support. This mission is achieved through the assessment of your risk for malnutrition, and the implementation of an individualized nutrition plan.

Assessment

The first step in the development of your individualized nutrition plan is assessment. The assessment may include:

• Laboratory analysis of the blood - this determines status of your immune system (immunocompetence) and protein stores.
• Medical history and nutrition interview - this offers the nutritional team insight into your appetite, food preferences, the status of your digestive system, and any existing or potential complications.
• Computerized diet profile - a three-day nutrient intake analysis completed by you.
• Nutrition anthropometrics - body measurements are made to determine your percent of body fat and loss of lean tissue.

Following admission to a CTCA facility, additional tests may be performed:

• Indirect calorimetry - a simple breathing test to measure your calorie requirements.
• Nitrogen balance - measurement of protein loss to determine if protein is being utilized properly by your body.

Diet

You are encouraged to eat foods that provide optimal nutritional benefit. A registered dietitian consults with you to develop an individualized meal plan. Selections include fish, poultry, legumes, low-fat yogurt, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and cereals, and other healthy food choices. Click here for nutritional recipe cards.

Supplementation

Vitamin and mineral supplements help provide nutrients that your diet may not, and offer a boost where illness may have depleted your body. The CTCA supplementation plan includes nutrients that may support your immune system and may reduce toxic side effects. A physician will recommend daily dosages of various nutrients, including:

• Beta carotene
• Selenium
• Vitamin C
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
• Vitamin E
• Others as appropriate

Nutritional Support

If you are unable to eat or digest food, nutrition may be provided parenterally (through a vein) or enterally (through a feeding tube). The nutrition/metabolic support team -- comprised of a physician, nutrition specialist, nurse and pharmacist -- works closely with you, should you require nutrition support.

Education

Registered dietitians are available for consultation during your time with us. Programs and classes on nutrition and cancer, and cooking demonstrations are presented regularly. Books, articles and other publications on cancer and nutrition are also available.