The Effect of Nutritional Support with Oral High Protein Liquid on Patients Who are Undergoing Radiotherapy for Lung Cancer

Abstract

Purpose: Weight loss and malnutrition in patients undergoing radiation therapy for lung cancer are common problems. We evaluated the effect of nutritional support with administering oral high calorie, high protein liquid, Mediwell ProteinTM.

Materials and Methods: From Feb. 2007 to Aug. 2008, 21 patients with lung cancer received nutritional supplement for 4 weeks with Mediwell StandardTM (n=10) or higher protein liquid, Mediwell ProteinTM (n=11). Their nutritional statues were evaluated just before radiation therapy and after 4 weeks.

Results: Nutritional support with oral high calorie, high protein liquid, Mediwell ProteinTM, showed improvement of the nutritional status during radiation therapy for lung cancer, even though it was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Nutritional support with oral high calorie, high protein liquid was effective for maintaining the nutritional status of patients with lung cancer during radiation therapy.