How does stem cell transplants affect my nutrition needs?
Patients who receive stem cell transplants typically have already received chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other medicines in conjunction with the transplant. The combined side effects often contribute to symptoms hindering a patient’s ability to eat and digest foods and liquids.
The common side effects include:
Patients who receive stem cell transplants typically have already received chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other medicines in conjunction with the transplant. The combined side effects often contribute to symptoms hindering a patient’s ability to eat and digest foods and liquids.
The common side effects include:
- Mouth and throat sores.
- Diarrhea.
Are there any precautions with food choices after receiving a transplant?
Patients who receive a stem cell transplant have a high risk of infection. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy given before the transplant decrease the number of white blood cells, which fight infection. It is important that these patients learn about safe food handling and avoid foods that may cause infection.
Additionally, these patients are at risk for acute or chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). GVHD may affect the gastrointestinal tract or liver and change the patient's ability to eat or absorb nutrients from food.
More Information at cancer.gov.
Additionally, these patients are at risk for acute or chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). GVHD may affect the gastrointestinal tract or liver and change the patient's ability to eat or absorb nutrients from food.
More Information at cancer.gov.
Sources
- Grant BL: Nutritional effects of cancer treatment: chemotherapy, biotherapy, hormone therapy and radiation therapy. In: Leser M, Ledesma N, Bergerson S, et al., eds.: Oncology Nutrition for Clinical Practice. Chicago, Ill: Oncology Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group, 2018, pp 97-114.
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