Nutrition Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer

Supportive Therapies for Pancreatic Cancer Patients: Nutrition Therapy

Optimal nutrition is vitally important for cancer patients. Accordingly, the National Cancer Institute states that about one-third of all cancer deaths are related to malnutrition. Pancreatic cancer can deplete your body's nutrients and cause weight loss. In addition, pancreatic cancer and cancer treatment can negatively affect 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.

Nutrition plays an important role in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. That's why each patient who comes to Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) receives a comprehensive nutrition assessment and an individualized plan designed to prevent malnutrition, reduce side effects and enhance his or her overall well-being.

Mission: Nutrition

The CTCA Nutrition program provides quality care for you through assessment, education, supplementation and support. Our mission is achieved through the assessment of your risk for malnutrition, and the implementation of nutrition plan tailored to meet your needs.

Assessment

The first step toward developing your individualized nutrition plan is assessment. The assessment may include:

• A laboratory analysis of your blood to determine the status of your immune system (immunocompetence) and protein stores
• A medical history and nutrition interview to provide insight into your appetite, food preferences, the status of your digestive system, and any existing or potential complications
• A computerized diet profile/three-day nutrient intake analysis
• Nutrition anthropometrics (body measurements) taken to determine your percentage of body fat and loss of lean tissue

Two additional tests which may be performed once you begin pancreatic cancer treatment at CTCA are an indirect calorimetry test (a simple breathing test to determine your calorie requirements) and a nitrogen balance test (measurement of protein loss to determine if your body is properly utilizing protein).

Diet

One of our registered dietitians will work with you to develop an individualized meal plan designed to provide you with optimal nutrition. Selections include poultry, legumes, low-fat yogurt, fish, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and cereals, and other healthy food choices. Check out a sampling of healthy recipes that may be included in your meal plan.

Supplementation

Vitamin and mineral supplements help provide nutrients not supplied by your diet. They also offer a much-needed nutritional boost, as pancreatic cancer may have depleted your body. The CTCA supplementation plan includes nutrients that may support your immune system and reduce toxic side effects. A physician will recommend such nutrients, which may include:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Beta carotene
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
• Selenium
• Others, as appropriate for your pancreatic cancer treatment

Nutritional support

In the event that you are unable to eat or digest food, nutrition may be provided parenterally (through a vein) or enterally (through a feeding tube). At our cancer hospitals, a special nutrition/metabolic support team (a physician, nutrition specialist, nurse, and pharmacist) will work closely with you, should you require nutritional support during your pancreatic cancer treatment.

Education

During your time with us, registered dietitians will be available for nutritional consultation. Programs and classes on nutrition and cancer, in conjunction with cooking demonstrations, are presented regularly. Books, articles and other publications on cancer and nutrition are also available.

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