Taxol is a chemotherapy drug used to stop cancerous cells from dividing within the body. It is given intravenously in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. While it is a necessary part of cancer treatment, Taxol and other chemotherapy drugs can severely alter a patient's nutritional status. While good nutrition cannot cure cancer in a chemotherapy patient, it is still beneficial; poor nutritional status in a cancer patient is generally predictive of a poor prognosis. Knowing the nutritional risks is the first step toward taking control of your health before, during and after treatment.
Weight Loss and Anorexia
Chemotherapy often causes weight loss and anorexia. This can happen for a number of reasons, including loss of taste, heightened sense of smell and gastrointestinal problems. To prevent weight loss, calorie and protein intake should be increased to 14 to 16 calories and 0.45 to 0.68 g of protein per pound of body weight. If weight loss has already occurred, these numbers can increase to as high as 23 calories and 1 g of protein per pound of body weight. Anorexia can be managed by identifying the underlying problem -- whether it be trouble swallowing, sensitivity to food temperature or smell, or another factor -- and correcting the diet accordingly.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Gastrointestinal problems that can occur from chemotherapy treatment include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, reflux, diarrhea and constipation. Any of these problems can lead to a negative nutritional outcome in a patient. Medications can be prescribed by the doctor to treat these symptoms. If this is unsuccessful, the diet can be altered to accommodate the patient. For example, a patient experiencing reflux may have an easier time eating if they are given a bland diet. Symptoms may also subside by giving the patient small, frequent meals throughout the day, rather than three large ones.
Micronutrient Deficiency
Gastrointestinal problems, coupled with possible undereating, can lead to micronutrient deficiencies. Micronutrients -- vitamins and minerals -- are necessary for proper functioning of the body and are primarily obtained from a healthy diet. Patients on chemotherapy may be prescribed a multivitamin by their doctor to correct or prevent these deficiencies.
Supplements
Certain dietary supplements are contraindicated with Taxol or other chemotherapy drugs because they can interfere with the drug's effect, or they can be harmful to you during treatment. For example, antioxidant supplements are generally not recommended during chemotherapy because they work against the chemotherapy by helping to protect cancerous cells from oxidative damage, which can destroy them. On the other hand, some supplements may be beneficial to you during treatment, including ginger and melatonin. Always speak with your doctor before taking nutritional supplements.
Nutrition Support
Some patients may not be able to get adequate nutrition through a regular oral diet. Alternate means of nutrition support may be necessary; enteral nutrition -- a tube feeding -- or parenteral nutrition -- intravenous nutrition -- will be ordered by the doctor. Generally, if the gut is functioning, enteral nutrition will be used in order to preserve its integrity. However, if this is not feasible, or if the patient's nutritional status does not improve, parenteral nutrition will be ordered. Whether enteral or parenteral support is used, the patient will be able to receive all of the nutrition that is necessary during their illness. Once the patient's condition improves, they are usually able to return to their regular oral diet.
References
- "Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care, 5th edition"; Sylvia Escott-Stump, MA, RD, LDN; 2002
- Providence Health and Services: Paclitaxel
- National Cancer Institiute at the National Institutes of Health: Nutrition in Cancer Care PDQ
- Cancer Treatment Centers of America: Nutrition Therapy
