Webinar | The Nutrition Revolution in Cancer Care: Impact on Patient Outcomes
Presented by Professor Alessandro Laviano, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Rome.
Nutrition has emerged as a vital component of oncology, influencing treatment tolerance, recovery, and survival. Yet, malnutrition and cachexia remain widespread among cancer patients, often unnoticed until they severely impact outcomes.
Cachexia, a complex syndrome involving inflammation and metabolic dysfunction, accelerates muscle loss and compromises drug distribution, increasing toxicity and reducing treatment effectiveness. Evidence shows that early nutritional intervention can restore muscle mass, improve functional status, and lower mortality. This makes timely screening and support essential, and healthcare professionals are at the centre of this effort.
As you know, cancer nurses and dietitians play a pivotal role in identifying risk factors and initiating interventions. With dietitian shortages common, the nursing role often picks up the nutrition screen and guides patients toward appropriate support; and ensures that nutrition care becomes part of routine oncology practice rather than an afterthought.
Practical strategies include early assessment of body composition, adapting meals to taste changes, and promoting small, frequent meals to combat anorexia and early satiety. Oral nutritional supplments during chemotherapy or radiotherapy have been shown to improve clinical outcomes, while omega-3 enriched formulas help reduce inflammation and support immune function. These interventions are most effective when implemented early - sometimes even before treatment begins.
As healthcare professional, you can also provide critical education, helping patients avoid harmful trends such as fasting or ketogenic diets, which lack evidence and may worsen outcomes. Cancer nurses can help address vitamin deficiences, encourage exercise alongside nutrition, and emphasise oral hygience to reduce mucositis risk. Listening to patients and tailoring plans to their symptons and preferences fostser adherence and improves quality of life.
Key Takeaway:
Nutrition is not ancillary - it is integral to cancer care. By embedding nutrition into treatment pathways and empowering nurses and dietitians to lead this charge, healthcare teams can improve outcomes for patients.
Watch the FREE Full Webinar Here: Nutrition Revolution in Cancer Care webinar registration - Adult | Nutricia
And for Oral Nutritional Support for Your Patients, you can request for FREE Fortisip® Compact Protein samples here : https://nutricia.com.au/adult/clinical-conditions/oncology/#
< This article is for Healthcare Professionals Only. >
< Fortisip is a food for special medical purposes and must be used under medical supervision. >