Cancer patients undergoing treatment face significant challenges with nutrition and food security, prompting researchers to launch an innovative clinical trial addressing these critical needs. The NOURISH trial (Nutrition Outreach in Systems of Healthcare) specifically targets patients with blood cancers who are receiving transplant or cellular therapy.
Dr. Anna Arthur, Director of the Medical Nutrition Science Program at the University of Kansas Medical Center and the trial's primary investigator, emphasizes the heightened risk of compromised nutritional status among cancer patients compared to healthy individuals.
Impact of Malnutrition on Treatment Outcomes
Malnourished cancer patients face a cascade of complications that can significantly impact their treatment journey. These include:
- Reduced quality of life
- Increased susceptibility to infections
- Extended hospital stays
- Compromised treatment tolerance
- Potential treatment delays or modifications
- Higher risk of morbidity and mortality
"Patients who start treatment malnourished, or who become malnourished during their cancer treatment, are at higher risk of several different negative outcomes," explains Dr. Arthur. The situation becomes particularly challenging for food-insecure patients who struggle to access or afford necessary nutrition during treatment.
The NOURISH Trial Innovation
The trial implements a practical approach to addressing nutritional challenges:
- Partnership with food banks across four cancer centers
- Provision of food bags containing 2-3 days of balanced nutrition
- Discrete distribution during clinic visits
- Bi-weekly delivery schedule
- Access to recipes and video cooking demonstrations
- Centralized website for nutritional resources
The program aims to eliminate barriers to proper nutrition by providing food during treatment visits, addressing both accessibility and transportation challenges that many patients face.
Nutritional Priorities During Cancer Treatment
Dr. Arthur emphasizes the importance of individualized nutritional approaches based on:
- Cancer type and stage
- Treatment protocol
- Existing health conditions
- Risk factors for malnutrition
For high-risk patients, the focus remains on calorie and protein-rich foods to prevent weight loss and maintain muscle mass. This priority holds true even for overweight or obese patients, as research shows that malnutrition and low muscle mass can occur regardless of body weight.
Future Implications
The NOURISH trial aims to demonstrate positive outcomes in terms of cost-effectiveness and malnutrition prevention. Success could lead to:
- Widespread adoption by other health systems
- Integration into standard cancer care
- Potential expansion to all cancer patients
- Policy changes regarding nutritional support during treatment
Patient Advocacy and Support
Healthcare professionals encourage patients experiencing food insecurity or malnutrition to advocate for themselves by:
- Communicating concerns to their care team
- Seeking referrals to registered dietitians
- Connecting with social workers for resource access
- Addressing nutritional challenges early in treatment
The trial represents a significant step forward in addressing the often-overlooked aspects of nutritional support during cancer treatment, potentially transforming the standard of care for cancer patients nationwide.
