Abstract

RIBED, Almudena et al. Nutritional assessment and quality of life of oncology outpatients initiating treatment with tyrosine-kinase inhibitors. Nutr. Hosp. [online]. 2014, vol.30, n.5, pp.1092-1100. ISSN 1699-5198.  https://dx.doi.org/10.3305/nh.2014.30.5.7761.

Background and Objective: The consumption of oral antineoplastics -and more particularly of tyrosinekinase inhibitors (TKI)- has increased in recent years. These therapies show a better tolerance but still, the nutritional alterations related to their daily and chronic clinical use are under investigation. This study assesses the effects of TKI on the intake, nutritional status and micronutrients as well as the patients quality of life. Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted including adult patients having started some TKI treatment from July 2012 to June 2013, and a 6 month follow-up period was established. Demographic pharmacotherapeutic, nutritional and biochemical variables were collected and also a EORTC-QLQ30 questionnaire at baseline, first, third and sixth month of treatment. Results: 31 patients were included in the study. The percentage of weight loss at treatment baseline was statistically matched to the results on the patient-generated Global Subjective Assessment. Appetite decreased after one month of treatment, and so did the calorie consumption; 62.1% of the patients lost weight, 55.5% on the third month and 70.6% on the sixth month. 6-17% of the patients suffered from malnutrition to some degree during the follow-up period and a decrease of calcium, phosphate and magnesium plasma levels was detected. The emotional scale was the one with a lowest score in EORTC QLQ-30, and fatigue and lack of appetite were the most common symptoms at treatment baseline, progressively increasing those of nausea, vomits and diarrhea. Discussion: Patients treated with TKI did not show a relevant malnutrition. Considering the results, it is important to take into account weight loss at treatment baseline; it is also important to control calcium and phosphate levels during treatment, to advise and counsel the patient on the GI effects (nausea, vomits and diarrhea) and emotionally reinforce the patient.

Keywords : outpatient; Oncology; Nutrition status; Antineoplastic agent; Quality of life.

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