Improved food intake and reduced nausea and vomiting in patients given a restricted diet while receiving cisplatin chemotherapy.

Administration of cisplatin alone or in combination with other cytotoxic agents commonly produces intractable nausea and vomiting, which is currently controlled through high-dose antiemetic drugs. However, patients often refuse continued therapy because of suboptimal control of nausea and vomiting and substantial decline in nutritional status. In this pilot study, 19 patients receiving cisplatin were evaluated for nausea and vomiting, amount of food intake, and subjective assessment of well-being. The study group received a colorless, odorless, predetermined meal three times daily; the meal included cottage cheese, apple sauce, vanilla ice cream, and other selected foods. Control-group patients selected their own meal. Study-group patients exhibited higher overall food intake, decreased nausea and vomiting, and a higher scored estimation of well-being. The findings of this preliminary study indicate that the study diet helps provide nutrition care to cancer patients receiving cisplatin chemotherapy and helps create an atmosphere where the patient believes he or she has some control in the treatment outcome.