P030 - LOW-RESIDUE REGIMENS DURING PELVIC RADIOTHERAPY: WHAT IMPACT ON THE COURSE OF TREATMENT AND WHAT DIFFICULTIES DO PATIENTS ENCOUNTER?

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P030

LOW-RESIDUE REGIMENS DURING PELVIC RADIOTHERAPY: WHAT IMPACT ON THE COURSE OF TREATMENT AND WHAT DIFFICULTIES DO PATIENTS ENCOUNTER?

R. Laraichi1,2,*, S. Smiti1,2, C. Ezzouitina1,2, K. Nouni1,2, A. Lachgar1,2, H. El kacemi1,2, T. kebdani1,2, K. Hassouni1,2

1radiotherapy, national institute of oncology, 2Faculty of medecine, Mohammed V university, Rabat, Morocco

 

Rationale: During pelvic radiation therapy, a low-residue diet may be suggested. The patient should therefore limit the consumption of high-fiber foods, such as whole-grain breads and cereals, nuts, seeds, raw vegetables, caffeine, and lactose-rich dairy products.

The aim of this work was to assess the impact of the low residue diet on the course of radiotherapy sessions, and the difficulties experienced by patients.

Methods: Descriptive study exploring the experience of patients treated in the radiotherapy department with the low-residue diet, from January 1 to March 1, 2025.

The inclusion criteria were: age over 18 years, undergoing a pelvic radiotherapy, having followed a low-residue diet. Semi-directed interviews were conducted with patients to collect their experiences with low-residue diet: difficulties, symptoms, impact on transit and on the course of treatment.

Results: This study included 56 patients. A low-residue diet was prescribed to these patients before simulation and was maintained by the patients throughout the treatment while maintaining sufficient caloric intake.

For adhering patients, 65% reported having found it difficult to follow the low-residue diet: namely the reduction in starchy food consumption, the need to cook vegetables before eating them, and the reduction in caffeine and lactose consumption.

Although dietary adaptation is difficult for most patients especially during the first two weeks, patients report experiencing digestive comfort on the second week.

31% had a digestive preparation problem which impacted the progress of the sessions.These patients noted a clear improvement with the low-fiber diet with a significant reduction in the number of shifted sessions.

Conclusion: Our study highlights the positive impact of the residue-free diet on the course of radiotherapy sessions as well as on the digestive symptoms that may arise.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared