Nutrition management of patients with neoplastic disease — diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines in 2013

Abstract

Malnutrition and its consequences significantly lower therapeutic efficacy in oncology. Nutritional management, although usually costly, may improve these statistics. Proper intervention must include evaluation of: nutritional status, existing abnormalities, indications to treatment, requirements for specific ingredients and their delivery by selected route according to accepted strategy, finally constant monitoring of treatment and its effects. Side effects of nutritional therapy occur in 20% of cases, but are usually mild and easy to handle.  Discussed management also plays role in specific clinical situations, like:  perioperative period,  in patients during chemo- and radiotherapy and also as element of palliative care. One should keep in mind the role of dietary consulting which should be employed in every patient with neoplastic disease, regardless of its phase.  By comparison, this intervention is the simplest, the cheapest and the safest for patients.