PD801 - TARGETED NUTRITION THERAPY ENHANCES DIETARY INTAKE AND WEIGHT STABILITY IN RADIOTHERAPY PATIENTS

PD801

TARGETED NUTRITION THERAPY ENHANCES DIETARY INTAKE AND WEIGHT STABILITY IN RADIOTHERAPY PATIENTS

V. P. Suryanarayana^1,*, V. Malayala¹, G. Devarakonda¹

¹Dietetics, Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Hyderabad, India

Rationale: Malnutrition and weight loss are common in oncology patients undergoing radiotherapy due to treatment-related side effects that reduce dietary intake, adversely affecting treatment tolerance, recovery, and quality of life (QoL). Early individualized nutrition intervention using nutrient-dense diets may help improve outcomes.

Methods: An interventional study was conducted among 100 oncology patients undergoing radiotherapy (1–3 months), with 20 dropouts. Nutritional assessment was performed using NRS-2002 and PG-SGA. Patients received individualized counselling focusing on high-protein, high-calorie, and nutrient-dense diet plans, with oral nutritional supplements (ONS) prescribed as needed. Pre- and post-intervention dietary intake (energy, protein), body weight, and QoL (EORTC QLQ-C30) were recorded. Paired t-test and Chi-square test were used for analysis.

Results: A 1.5% overall weight gain was observed following the intervention. A statistically significant increase in energy and protein intake was noted post-counselling compared to baseline (p<0.01). Improved dietary intake, particularly higher protein consumption through nutrient-dense diets, was associated with better weight outcomes. A significant association was found between nutritional intervention and weight outcomes (p=0.02). Quality of life (QoL) also improved post-intervention.

Conclusion: Individualized counselling emphasizing high-protein, high-calorie, and nutrient-dense diets with appropriate ONS improves dietary intake, supports weight outcomes, and enhances QoL in patients undergoing radiotherapy. Integrating structured nutrition care into oncology practice is essential.

References:         1. Arends J, Bachmann P, Baracos V, et al. ESPEN guidelines on nutrition in cancer patients. Clin Nutr. 2017;36(1):11–48.

        2. Bauer J, Capra S, Ferguson M. Use of the scored PG-SGA as a nutrition assessment tool in patients with cancer. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002;56(8):779–785.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared