Nutritional interventions in children treated for malignant diseases

Abstract

Introduction: Nutrition is of great importance in the treatment of malignant diseases because the nutritional status affects the outcome of the disease itself, the tolerance of chemotherapy and the overall survival and quality of life. This is especially important in childhood when, in addition to the treatment of the underlying disease, it is necessary to ensure the normal growth and development of the child.

Objective: The aim of this paper was, based on a review of the literature, to point out the importance and show the basics of nutritional assessment and monitoring, as well as nutritional interventions in children suffering from malignant diseases.

Methods: The available scientific and professional literature (PubMed) for the last 10 years was searched, and the following keywords were used: nutrition, malignant disease, diet, nutritional assessment, and nutritional intervention. All received abstracts were screened and selected were publications that included above keywords as a main topic.

Results: Based on the reviewed literature, presented are the basics of nutritional assessment and when to perform it, risks for nutritional disorders and available nutritional interventions.

Conclusion: In pediatric oncology patients, it is important to carry out a nutritional assessment not only at the time of diagnosis, but also during the further course of treatment and follow-up of the patient, to determine individual nutritional interventions that will prevent or treat an already occurring nutritional disorder, and to ensure the growth of the child in accordance with the genetic potential.