Effects of Chemotherapy on Nutritional Status of Colon Cancer Patients

Abstract

Aim: This study was planned to determine the changes in nutritional status of colon cancer patients during chemotherapy (CT). Subjects and Method: Newly diagnosed colon cancer patients who were admitted to Hacettepe University Oncology Hospital to receive CT were evaluated at three phases: before, during (3rd cycle) and end (6th cycle) of CT. A questionnaire was performed before treatment, where dietary records (3 consecutive days) and physical activity records (1 day) were taken,and also anthropometric measurements and body compositions were analyzed before, during and at the end of CT. Results: A total of 29 colon cancer patients (mean age: 61.3±8.17 years, 58.6% male) were included. Appetite loss, fatigue, dry mouth and taste and odor abnormalities were the most frequent symptoms during the treatment. Mean energy intake decreased during CT and increased at the end of CT compared to baseline (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in energy balance, anthropometric measurements and body composition of male subjects between three phases. However, body weight, BMI and body fat of female subjects increased significantly between 3rd and 6th cycles as a result of an increased energy intake and decreased energy expenditure. Physical activity levels were also declined during and at the end of CT compared to baseline. Conclusion: Chemotherapy has a great impact on energy intake, energy expenditure, activity level, and body weight and body composition of colon cancer patients. In particular, the increase in body weight and body fat occurring in female patients during treatment may influence the prognosis of the disease and the risk of mortality.