Nutritional Supplementation in Two High-Risk Cancer Populations

Wallner E, Endersbe L, Marlin R. Current Therapeutic Research 1990;47(6):924-932.

Objective

To evaluate the safety, efficacy and patient acceptance of a nutritional supplement by patients undergoing a course of radiotherapy for cancer of the head and neck, or lung.

Methods

In this non-randomized study, 40 cancer patients (20 head and neck, 20 lung) were followed for a 7-week course of external beam radiation therapy while using Slim•Fast powder-based nutritional supplement. Patients were instructed to consume a minimum of 2 servings per day, with a recommended intake of up to 4 serving per day, providing 520 to 1040 calories per day. Each patient was matched with a historical control by age, gender, duration of radiation treatment and disease site. Study patients underwent a baseline physical exam and weight, blood pressure, pulse, skinfold measurement and adverse reactions were evaluated weekly.

Results

There was a significant reduction (p<0.05) in the amount of weight loss by patients with lung cancer compared to their matched controls. There was also a reduction in weight loss in patient with head/neck cancer but the difference was not statistically significant. No meaningful correlation was shown between weight loss and change in skinfold thickness. Most of the study patients rated the nutritional supplements excellent, good or fair, and they were generally well tolerated, with limited reports of side effects (diarrhea, bloating).

Conclusion

Slim•Fast powder-based nutritional supplements are well tolerated, and can help patients with cancer of the head and neck, and lung maintain adequate caloric intake and reduce weight loss while receiving radiotherapy.

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