Anticancer therapy

Definition

Anticancer therapy involves treatments designed to stop the growth of cancer cells or eliminate them entirely. These therapies can include chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted drug treatments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Anticancer therapies can have significant nutritional implications for patients, including nausea and loss of appetite.
2. Chemotherapy often leads to mucositis, making it difficult for patients to eat and maintain proper nutrition.
3. Patients undergoing anticancer therapy may require increased protein intake to repair tissues and maintain muscle mass.
4. Certain anticancer drugs can lead to malabsorption of essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.
5. Nutritional support is critical in managing side effects and improving overall treatment outcomes for patients on anticancer therapy.

Review Questions

• What are the common nutritional challenges faced by patients undergoing anticancer therapy?
• How does chemotherapy affect a patient's ability to consume and absorb nutrients?
• Why is increased protein intake important for patients receiving anticancer therapy?

Related terms

Chemotherapy: A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells.

Mucositis: Inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract, often a side effect of chemotherapy or radiation.

Immunotherapy: A cancer treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer more effectively.