Brain cancer treatment and nutrition differs greatly from other organ-system specific cancers. The National Cancer Institute says that a majority of cancer deaths are attributed to anorexia and cachexia-related malnutrition, or the lack of a constant supply of nutrition that supplies calories from macronutrients, carbs, protein and fat with muscle wasting. However, some brain cancers are also treated by depriving the cancer of calories which in turn shrinks the tumor without risk of malnutrition. It is imperative to consult with a licensed nutritionist who specializes in oncology, specifically brain tumors, before attempting to alter your diet. There are certain tests that need to be conducted to determine the right approach and nutritional needs specific to your condition.
Ketogenic Diet
The ketogenic diet, marketed as keto-cal, is receiving great attention for its ability to shrink cancers in the brain. Developed by Nutricia North America as a means to treat epilepsy in children, researchers have discovered new applicability to cancer. In mice studies performed by Seyfried, a biologist in British Columbia, two treatments were used in a controlled environment to see how well keto-cal performed on implanted cancerous tumors. One group was given a non-restricted diet regimen, the other was given keto-cal nutritional supplements. According to the American College of Radiology, the group given the keto-cal supplements had longer lifespans, improved quality of life and the tumors were dramatically reduced in size. Oncologists are currently trying this method with patients who fit the eligible criteria.
Calorie Restriction Diet
While not all oncologists are jumping on the keto-cal bandwagon, many are suggesting a reduced calorie diet. For example, researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center suggest that for brain cancer, limiting the amount of protein and fats from animal products can be important. They further suggest eating primarily a vegetarian diet comprised of foods from plant-sources such as fruits and vegetables. If constipation from diet or cancer therapies persist, increasing the amount of fiber in the diet is also suggested. If this diet change seems too drastic, other options are available.
No Restrictions Diet
On the no restrictions diet, there are no limits placed on means of getting nourishment and adequate nutrition. This is in an effort to maintain a healthy weight and prevent muscle wasting in order to withstand cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. The Nutrition Metabolic Support Department at Cancer Treatment Centers of America suggest following a healthy diet is important and several tests are available to see if your nutritional needs are being met. In general, the dietary staff in the oncology department will run a battery of tests during a nutritional assessment prior to suggesting any changes. Other tests may include an indirect calorimetry breathing test that measures your caloric requirements and a nitrogen balance test to measure protein metabolism in the body.
High Caloric Intake Diet
If your health is being jeopardized by malnutrition resulting from anorexia or muscle wasting, a high caloric intake diet is usually recommended. In situations where the ability to take food in by mouth is difficult or impossible, the National Cancer Institute insists that some individuals will require enteral or parenteral tube feedings via the stomach or an intravenous route. By mouth, the high calorie diet may be comprised of soft foods that have additional calories added to them by gravies, creams, sauces or a liquid nutritional supplement blended in. By feeding tube, a special high calorie liquid blend resembling baby formula is prepared and placed in a drip bag with control adjustments.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Nutrition in Advanced Cancer
- American College of Radiology: BC Biologists Identify Alternative Brain Cancer Treatment
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center: Living with a Brain Tumor
- Cancer Treatment Centers of America: Brain Cancer Nutrition
- National Cancer Institute: Nutrition Therapy
