Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 7th edition Energy- & Protein-Modified Diets for Cancer & HIV Infection Chapter 25

Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 7th edition I. Cancer Growth of malignant tissue Many different kinds of malignant growth –Differ in characteristics –Occur in different locations in the body –Take different courses –Require different treatments Advanced cancers, especially those of GI tract, can seriously impair nutrition status Malignant: cancerous cell or tumor which can injure healthy tissue & spread cancer to other parts of the body

Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 7th edition Cancer Cancer development (carcinogenesis) –Arises from mutations in genes that control cell division –Abnormal mass of cells (tumor) develops own blood supply to deliver oxygen & nutrients, & otherwise support tumor growth –Tumor causes disruption of functioning of surrounding tissues –May spread to another region of body (metastasis) –Reasons for development varied, including exposure to cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) in environment

Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 7th edition

Cancer Nutrition & cancer risk –Diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors have strong influence on cancer risk Damage to DNA Alteration of metabolism of carcinogens Inhibition of formation of carcinogens

Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 7th edition

Cancer Consequences of cancer –Depends on location of tumor, severity & treatment –Complications often due to tumor’s effect on surrounding tissues –Effectiveness of treatment is greatest with early detection & intervention Frequent consequences –Cancer cachexia: wasting syndrome characterized by anorexia, muscle wasting, weight loss & fatigue –Metabolic changes –Anorexia & reduced food intake related to… Chronic nausea & early satiety Fatigue Pain Mental stress Effects of cancer tx- meds, chemo, etc. Obstructions

Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 7th edition Cancer Treatments for cancer –Main goals of treatment are to remove cancer cells, prevent further tumor growth & alleviate symptoms –Primary treatment involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or combination of the three –Surgery Purpose –Tumor removal –Determination of extent of involvement –Discern involvement of surrounding tissues Acute metabolic stress caused by surgery increases energy & protein needs; may increase muscle wasting Other effects can reduce food intake, contributing to nutrient losses & malnutrition

Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 7th edition Cancer Treatments for cancer (con’t) –Chemotherapy Relies on use of drugs to inhibit tumor growth Most drugs are toxic to healthy cells as well as cancerous ones Associated with variety of nutrition-related side effects –Radiation therapy Treatment of cancer cells by damaging DNA (& causing cell death) with x-rays, gamma rays, other atomic particles Focused directly on tumors with minimal damage to surrounding tissues See p. 679, T 25-5, for specific nutr. effects of chemo & radiation –Bone marrow transplant Replacement of bone marrow that has been destroyed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy Used as one of primary treatments for leukemia Immunosuppressant drugs necessary when separate donor used Major impact on food intake & nutrition status

Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 7th edition Cancer Nutrition therapy for cancer –Goals of nutrition therapy Minimize loss of weight & muscle tissue Correct nutrient deficiencies Provide diet that can be tolerated & enjoyed despite complications of disease –Nutrition needs among cancer patients vary widely –Appropriate nutrition helps patients preserve strength & improve recovery –Initial screening & follow-up assessment for malnutrition is necessary during treatment & recovery periods-p.690

Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 7th edition Cancer Nutrition therapy for cancer (con’t) –Protein & energy intake recommendations Recommended ranges vary depending on patient condition Energy needs may be kcalories/kg, depending on patient’s current weight, activity level, degree of metabolic stress, energy needs for tissue repair & weight regain Protein requirements depend on level of metabolic stress, treatment stage & cachexia-p.680 Regular monitoring of weight changes, nutrition status & adjustments of diet necessary Supplementation may be necessary or How To-p.681

Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 7th edition Cancer Nutrition therapy for cancer (con’t) –Managing symptoms & complications Thorough nutritional assessment Patient’s response to strategies varies considerably –Enteral & parenteral nutrition support Necessary for patients with long-term or permanent GI impairment or severe complications interfering with food intake Enteral nutrition preferred unless contraindicated

Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 7th edition II. HIV Infection Human immunodeficiency (HIV) virus attacks immune system, disabling defenses against infection & some cancers Often leads to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) Diagnosis devastating to patient –Can expect ever-worsening course of illness, possibly death –Recent treatment options have expanded, offering benefits to patients & improvements in quality of life

Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 7th edition HIV Infection World-wide epidemic –Although no cure, progress in treatment has been made –Best course of treatment is prevention –Death rate in U.S. begin to decline during 1990s –Progression from HIV to AIDS has also slowed Transmission –Sexual transmission –Direct contact with contaminated body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk Risk factors –Many individuals remain asymptomatic during early stages—unknowingly passing infection to others –Individuals at risk should be tested (T. 25-8) –Testing can detect HIV antibodies within several months after exposure, sometimes sooner (1-2 wks.) –Estimated 25% of infected individuals in U.S. are unaware of infection

Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 7th edition

HIV Infection Consequences of HIV Infection –Destruction of immune cells— most affected are helper T cells –Nonspecific early symptoms Fever, sore throat, malaise, skin rashes, nausea, muscle & joint pain, diarrhea After initial symptoms, may remain asymptomatic for 5-10 years or more Untreated, depletion of T cells eventually increases susceptibility to opportunistic infections Opportunistic Infection Infection that results from microorganisms that do not cause disease in healthy individuals, but are damaging to those with compromised immune system (exs. Thrush, pnuemonia, TB)

Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 7th edition HIV Infection Consequences of HIV Infection (con’t) –AIDS-defining illnesses Diseases and complications associated with later stages of HIV infection, including… –Severe infections –Certain cancers –Wasting of lean tissue Disease progression monitored by measuring concentrations of helper T cells, circulating virus & monitoring clinical symptoms –HIV-lipodystrophy syndrome Collection of abnormalities in fat & glucose metabolism resulting from HIV drug treatment Includes body fat redistribution, abnormal blood lipid levels & insulin resistance, breast enlargement (in men & women), fat accumulation at base of neck, lipomas Often develop hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL cholesterol levels, glucose intolerance & hyperinsulinemia

Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 7th edition HIV Infection Consequences of HIV Infection (con’t) –Weight loss & wasting (AIDS- related wasting syndrome) 10% weight loss within 6 months Diarrhea or fever for more than 30 days with no known cause Linked to disease progression, reduced strength & fatigue Severe in later stages; increases risk of death Causes –Anorexia & reduced food intake –Altered metabolism & malabsorption –Chronic diarrhea –Diet-drug interactions Anorexia & reduced food intake Key factor in development of wasting Results from many associated problems –Emotional distress, pain & fatigue –Oral infections –Respiratory disorders –Cancer –Medications

Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 7th edition HIV Infection Consequences of HIV Infection (con’t) –GI tract complications May result from opportunistic infections, medications or HIV infection itself High risk of malnutrition related to… –Infections in stomach & intestines (villi short & flat) –Nausea, vomiting & diarrhea from medications –Bacterial overgrowth resulting from antiviral, antibiotic & antifungal medications Treatment –No cure, but treatment can slow progression, reduce complications & alleviate pain

Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 7th edition HIV Infection Treatment –Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) Combination of 3 or more antiretroviral agents Improved lifespan & quality of life for many patients Multiple adverse effects from drugs –GI effects; diet-drug interactions –Skin rashes –Headache –Anemia –Tingling & numbness –Hepatitis –Pancreatitis –Kidney stones

Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 7th edition HIV Infection Treatment (con’t) –Control of anorexia & wasting Appetite stimulants Physical activity Anabolic hormones (HGH) –Control of lipodystrophy Under investigation Aerobic activity & resistance training help reduce abdominal fat Alternative antiretroviral drugs to alleviate symptoms Medication treatment for abnormal blood lipids & insulin resistance –Alternative therapies May be unconventional Many harmless, but can be expensive Monitoring use of dietary supplements is essential to reduce risk of nutrient-drug & herb-drug interactions

Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 7th edition HIV Infection Medical nutrition therapy –Initial nutrition assessment to provide baseline –Weight maintenance Primary objective: maintain weight & muscle tissue Determine dietary & lifestyle factors that may interfere with food intake, appetite & physical activity Provide suggestions to prevent future weight problems Small, frequent feedings may be better tolerated than large meals Addition of nutrient-dense food and snacks, protein or energy bars, oral supplements may help

Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 7th edition HIV Infection Medical nutrition therapy (con’t) –Vitamins & minerals Needs are variable Multivitamin-mineral supplements often recommended to reduce risk of deficiencies associated with reduced food intake, malabsorption, diet-drug interactions & nutrient losses –Metabolic complications Dietary adjustments for treatment of insulin resistance & elevated triglyceride & LDL levels should be tried before medication treatment –Achieve & maintain desirable weight –Replace saturated fats with monounsaturated & polyunsaturated fats –Limit intake of trans fats & cholesterol –Replace sugar intake with complex carbohydrates Maintain regular physical activity

Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 7th edition HIV Infection Medical nutrition therapy (con’t) –Symptom management –Food safety-use safe handling and food preparation (HIV  risk of infections) –Enteral & parenteral nutrition support Patients may need aggressive nutrition support during later stages Tube feeding preferred if GI tract is functional Parenteral nutrition reserved for patients who cannot tolerate enteral nutrition

Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 7th edition Nutrition in Practice—Ethical Issues in Nutrition Care New technologies, including availability of specialized nutrition support, results in difficult ethical dilemmas When medical treatments prolong life by delaying death, reduced quality of life may result Decisions to withhold or withdraw nutrition support require careful consideration of ethical principles

Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 7th edition Nutrition in Practice—Ethical Issues in Nutrition Care Life-sustaining procedures –Nutrition support & hydration –CPR –Defibrillation –Mechanical ventilation –Dialysis Patient’s rights to treatment –Difficult to determine best course of action for terminally ill or patients who are unlikely to regain consciousness –When patients (or caregivers) demand treatment (when health practioners consider it to be futile), legal resolution may follow

Nutrition & Diet Therapy, 7th edition Nutrition in Practice—Ethical Issues in Nutrition Care Advance directive –Living will or medical directive: include detailed instructions regarding life-sustaining procedures individual wants or does not want –Take effect when it is determined that the patient lacks ability to understand & make treatment decisions Durable power of attorney (or health care proxy) –Another person, or health care agent, is appointed to act as decision-maker in event of patient incapacitation –Agent is given comprehensive power to supervise care, make decisions about medical staff, facility & procedures