Alternative nutrition therapies in cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES

To review diet guidelines on selected alternative nutrition therapies, and the origins, limitations, and implication of these recommendations.

DATA SOURCES

Clinical research articles on alternative nutrition therapy.

CONCLUSION

Alternative nutrition therapy will continue to receive increasing scrutiny as research in science and technology develops. Individual needs vary widely; there is not one perfect diet for everyone. However, nutrition/diet plays a major role in cancer care and patients need to be educated about safe alternative nutrition therapy.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Whatever decision patients make regarding alternative nutrition therapies, support should be provided so that communication is increased between the patient and the health care team.