The PDQ cancer information summaries are reviewed regularly and updated as new information becomes available. This section describes the latest changes made to this summary as of the date above.

Overview

Revised text to include depression and anxiety as symptoms that impede oral intake.

Revised text to state that cachexia can develop in individuals who appear to be eating adequate calories and protein but have primary cachexia whereby tumor-related factors prevent maintenance of fat and muscle.

Nutrition Implications of Cancer Therapies

Added text to state that patients receiving high-dose radiation or bone marrow transplant should consult with a dietician.

Nutrition Therapy

Revised text to include chocolate as a recommended food in the management of anorexia.

Revised text to state that alterations in taste can be related to unknown effects of cancer, radiation treatment, dental problems, mucositis and infection (thrush), or medications.

Revised text to state that Metamucil may be used in the management of constipation if adequate hydration is tolerated.

Other Nutrition Issues

Revised text to include the World Health Organization definition of palliative care.

Revised text to state that procarbazine is a mild MAOI and a low-tyramine diet should be followed.

Added text to state that St. John's wort interacts with procarbazine.

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