Nutrition Therapy for Multiple Myeloma

Multiple Myeloma Treatment: Nutrition Therapy

Optimal nutrition is critical when it comes to effective multiple myeloma treatment. In fact, about one-third of all cancer deaths can be linked to malnutrition (Source: National Cancer Institute). Multiple myeloma can deplete your body's nutrients and cause weight loss. Certain types of multiple myeloma treatment can also suppress your appetite and/or your body's ability to digest foods. All of these factors may leave you in a vulnerable and weakened condition that limits your ability to fight multiple myeloma.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), we understand the important role that nutrition plays in multiple myeloma treatment. That's why each patient who comes to us for help is personally evaluated by our care team and presented with an individualized plan to help prevent malnutrition, reduce side effects and enhance his or her overall well-being.

Our mission

The CTCA nutrition program provides quality care for multiple myeloma patients through personalized, nutritional assessment, education, supplementation, and support. This mission is achieved through the assessment of your risk for malnutrition, and the implementation of a customized nutrition plan to be followed throughout your multiple myeloma treatment and beyond.

Assessment

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

• Laboratory analysis of your blood: This helps us to determine the status of your immune system (immunocompetence) and protein stores.
• Your medical history and nutrition interview: This offers our nutritional team insight into your appetite, food preferences, the status of your digestive system, and any existing or potential complications to be aware of during your multiple myeloma treatment.
• 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 your admission to a CTCA facility for multiple myeloma treatment, additional tests may be conducted. These include:

• 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. One of our registered dietitians will consult with you to develop an individualized meal plan to be followed throughout your multiple myeloma treatment. Selections include fish, poultry, legumes, low-fat yogurt, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and cereals, and other healthy food choices. Click for nutritional recipe cards.

Supplementation

Vitamin and mineral supplements help provide nutrients that your diet may not, and offer a boost where illness or related multiple myeloma treatments 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 at any time during your multiple myeloma treatment you are unable to eat or digest food, nutrition may be provided parenterally (through a vein) or enterally (through a feeding tube). The CTCA nutrition/metabolic support team—comprised of a physician, nutrition specialist, nurse, and pharmacist—will work closely with you, should you require nutrition support.

Education

At our cancer hospitals, registered dietitians are available for consultation throughout your multiple myeloma treatment. 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.

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