Food for Thought: Are Radiation Therapists Able to Recognize Patients Who Would Benefit from Dietary Counseling?

Malnutrition is commonly seen in cancer patients before starting treatment and can worsen as they undergo radiation therapy. At the Odette Cancer Centre, there is currently no protocol or guideline for radiation therapists (RTs) to refer patients to registered dietitians before or during treatment. The aim of our study was to determine if RTs across Canada were able to identify and/or recognize nutrition-related side effects in patients during their course of radiation treatment who would require/benefit from a referral to a registered dietitian for additional support.

The Experiences of Patients With Advanced Head and Neck Cancer With a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

Background: While the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube has become an established part of the management regimen for patients with head and neck cancer (HNCA) with impaired nutrition and functional status, limited research has explored the impact and experiences of living with a PEG tube from the patient's perspective. This qualitative study serves as a follow-up investigation undertaken to describe the experiences of patients with advanced HNCA living with a PEG tube. Materials and Methods: Eligible patients from convenience sampling were invited to participate until data saturation was reached.

The experience of head and neck cancer patients with a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube at a Canadian cancer center.

Background: Many patients with advanced head and neck cancer become unable to obtain sufficient nutrition and hydration orally, leading to considerable weight loss and compromised clinical outcomes. The percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube is ideal for this population who require longer term nutrition support due to the effects of cancer treatment. Although clinical experts at the Odette Cancer Centre (OCC) report positive patient feedback with PEG tubes, there is debate in the literature regarding the associated quality of life (QoL).