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Identifying malnutrition: Nutritional status in newly diagnosed patients With cancer

Krishnasamy K, Tang LY, Chong MC, Lau PC, Chinna K

Clin J Oncol Nurs, 2017 02 01;21(1):E23-E29.
PMID: 28107326 DOI: 10.1188/17.CJON.E23-E29

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is common among patients with cancer, but little attention is given to its risks and consequences.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to assess the nutritional status and identify the factors associated with malnutrition among newly diagnosed patients with cancer.
METHODS: Patients admitted with newly diagnosed cancer at a teaching hospital in Malaysia were recruited from January to April 2015. Nutritional status was assessed before treatment initiation, and patients were classified into three categories.
FINDINGS: A total of 132 pretreatment patients were recruited into the study. About half were severely malnourished. Patients with stage III cancer had the highest prevalence of severe malnourishment. Clinical parameters and disease characteristics were significantly associated with nutritional status. Demographic variables were also statistically significantly associated with severe nutritional status.
KEYWORDS: malnutrition; nutrition status; nutritional assessment; risk factor
Oral Cryotherapy: Prevention of Oral Mucositis and Pain Among Patients With Colorectal Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy

Idayu Mat Nawi R, Lei Chui P, Wan Ishak WZ, Hsien Chan CM

Clin J Oncol Nurs, 2018 10 01;22(5):555-560.
PMID: 30239519 DOI: 10.1188/18.CJON.555-560

BACKGROUND: Evidence remains mixed on the benefits of oral cryotherapy in the prevention of oral mucositis and pain associated with fluorouracil-based chemotherapy.
OBJECTIVES: The intent of this article is to evaluate the effect of oral cryotherapy on the prevention of oral mucositis and pain among patients with colorectal cancer undergoing fluorouracil-based chemotherapy.
METHODS: Using an experimental study design, the authors randomly assigned 80 patients to either the intervention (n = 40) or usual care group (n = 40). Intervention group participants received oral cryotherapy in the form of ice chips held in their mouths during chemotherapy infusion. Both groups used sodium bicarbonate mouthwash postchemotherapy until the next cycle.
FINDINGS: In the usual care group, most participants reported grade 2 (moderate to life-threatening) or greater mucositis. Pain associated with mucositis was lower using oral cryotherapy, with the majority of participants in the intervention group reporting no pain.
Fulltext Mindful Breathing: Effects of a Five-Minute Practice on Perceived Stress and Mindfulness Among Patients With Cancer

Lei Chui P, Wai S, Lai LL, See MH, Tan SB

Clin J Oncol Nurs, 2021 Apr 01;25(2):174-180.
PMID: 33739333 DOI: 10.1188/21.CJON.174-180

BACKGROUND: Cancer can cause undesired side effects that can significantly alter patients' perceived stress and mindfulness. The integration of nonpharmacologic, complementary health interventions, such as mindful breathing, is potentially useful in reducing stress and promoting the well-being of patients during treatment.
OBJECTIVES: This study examined the effects of a five-minute mindful breathing practice performed three times per day for three months on perceived stress and mindfulness among patients with cancer.
METHODS: This longitudinal, randomized controlled study used a two-group, pre-/post-study design. Patients with distress scores of 4 or higher were randomized into two study arms. Participants in the intervention group were educated on mindfulness and guided on how to perform a five-minute mindful breathing practice. Perceived stress and mindfulness were assessed at baseline, one month postintervention, and three months postintervention.
FINDINGS: Both groups had no significant difference in perceived stress and mindfulness scores at baseline. At three months, the intervention group reported a significant reduction in stress and an increase in mindfulness.
Systematic Review of Malnutrition Risk Factors to Identify Nutritionally At-Risk Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

Wang P, Lam Soh K, Geok Soh K, Xue L, Ning C, Tan Y, et al.

Clin J Oncol Nurs, 2024 Mar 15;28(2):197-208.
PMID: 38511915 DOI: 10.1188/24.CJON.197-208

BACKGROUND: Patients with head and neck cancer are prone to malnutrition, which can lead to adverse health outcomes. A review of the literature revealed a lack of systematic reviews addressing risk factors for malnutrition in this population.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to fill the knowledge gap by identifying risk factors for malnutrition in patients with head and neck cancer.
METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed®, Web of Science, Embase®, and Cochrane Library databases, spanning from their inception until June 2023. Three researchers critically evaluated the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two investigators independently screened the literature and extracted data, resolving any discrepancies through consensus.
FINDINGS: This systematic review includes 18 studies. The results indicated that risk factors for malnutrition in patients with head and neck cancer encompass disease-related, genetic, lifestyle, nutritional health, physiologic, psychological, and treatment-related factors.