Can Protein Intake be Increased Using Whole Foods Post-treatment in Cancer Patients?

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA · May 11, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether eating more protein, specifically from eggs, can help cancer patients who have finished their treatment. Many cancer patients experience weight loss and muscle weakness during and after treatment, which can make recovery harder. The researchers want to see if adding at least two eggs a day to their diet can improve their nutritional health, boost their immune system, and enhance their overall quality of life after treatment.

To be eligible for this study, participants need to be at least 18 years old, have a confirmed cancer diagnosis, and have recently completed a specific type of chemotherapy. They should be able to eat solid foods on their own. The trial will last for eight weeks, with half of the participants starting the egg diet right away, while the other half will continue their usual diet for the first four weeks before switching to the egg diet. Throughout the study, the researchers will monitor participants’ food intake, protein levels, immune function, physical performance, and quality of life. This trial is currently recruiting participants and aims to find out if this simple dietary change can make a meaningful difference in recovery for cancer survivors.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients must have the ability to read, understand, and sign an informed consent and must be willing to comply with study treatment and follow-up.
• • ≥18 years of age
• • Histopathologically confirmed cancer with receipt of a platinum chemotherapy during treatment; active treatment has concluded.
• • Capable of volitional oral semi-solid intake at baseline; able to maintain oral intake over the trial.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Fed by nasogastric tube, gastrostomy, or total parenteral nutrition
• • Cancer of the brain, Cancer of the regions which impact an individual's ability to consume food.
• • A known hypersensitivity / allergy to eggs.
• • Enrolment in any other clinical protocol or investigational study that may interfere with study procedures.
• • Poorly controlled chronic illnesses or other inflammatory diseases (e.g. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD), uncontrolled non-insulin dependent diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis).
• • In a clinician opinion, patients who have medical conditions that could interfere with nutrient metabolism or absorption (e.g., short bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, etc.)