Recording a patient diet over the radical course of radiotherapy for prostate cancer using a diet diary: a feasibility study

Abstract

Aims: To obtain an estimate of dietary fibre and fluid intake in Australian men undergoing prostate radiotherapy and to establish feasibility and patient compliance with recording normal diet without intervention during the radical course of radiotherapy.Methods: Eleven participants were enrolled and treated with 74–78 Gray (Gy) to the prostate over 8 weeks. Participants were instructed to record a diary of their food and fluid intake and bowel motions for the duration of treatment. Treating radiation therapists were instructed to initial the diet diary daily. Diet diaries were assessed for compliance by analysing the number of days over the treatment period and the number of diary pages submitted. The diet diaries were analysed for nutrient intake of fibre and fluids.Results: A total of 10 of 11 participants submitted a diet record for the full duration of treatment with a median compliance of 100% (range 90.4–100%) of days recorded. The mean (standard deviation) of fibre and fluids recorded in the diets were 21.5 g (5.5) and 2227.1 g (733.1), respectively.Conclusions: It is feasible for patients to record a diet diary over a radical course of prostate radiotherapy. In this study, most patients were highly compliant with submitting a diet record for each day during treatment.

Recording a patient diet over the radical course of radiotherapy for prostate cancer using a diet diary: a feasibility study

“…We were pleased to read that other groups are exploring the feasibility of detailed self-recording of dietary intake in patients receiving long-course radiotherapy for prostate cancer. This has particular relevance in view of the continued interest in strategies to minimise rectal deformation and thus reduce prostate movement during radiotherapy planning and treatment 1 . We completely agree with the authors’ finding that previous studies, which have explored dietary interventions (primarily anti-flatulent diets), have lacked information on patient compliance 2 – 4 .…”

“…This has particular relevance in view of the continued interest in strategies to minimise rectal deformation and thus reduce prostate movement during radiotherapy planning and treatment. 1 We completely agree with the authors' finding that previous studies, which have explored dietary interventions (primarily anti-flatulent diets), have lacked information on patient compliance. [2][3][4] Thus, in the one study, which failed to show a statistically significant difference in inter-fraction prostate motion, 2 and in the two studies, in which worse outcomes were observed in terms of increased prostate displacement, 3,4 it is impossible to know whether the outcomes result from a true lack of efficacy or indeed adverse effects of the diet alone.…”

A systematic review: Effectiveness of rectal emptying preparation in prostate cancer patients

“…Therefore, the importance of establishing an individual's baseline dietary intake, providing a target that can be realistically achieved, and the resources to monitor and analyze this should not be underestimated. 27,30 A significant reduction in volume and percentage change in rectal volume during treatment was found using probiotics 10 (Table 4). However, while probiotics are easy to administer, the optimal dose, bacterial strains used, and their effect on microbiota through radiation therapy treatment have yet to be clearly established.…”