Nutritional Status of Colorectal Cancer Patients Receiving 5-Fluorouracil Plus Low-Dose Leucovorin (5fu/Lv) Chemotherapy

Cancer patients (pts) undergoing chemotherapy (CT) are often at nutritional risk. The nutritional status of 102 colorectal cancer pts receiving 2, 5 day courses of (5FU/LV) was examined. Prior to CT, pts received nutritional counseling regarding their energy/protein (pro) needs and combating chemo-toxicity related complications. Pts recorded food diaries for the 3 days prior to, 5 days during, and 2 days following each CT course. Height, weight (WT), albumin (Alb), total pro, tricep skin fold (TSF), and mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) were collected. There were 54 males and 48 females with a mean age of 64.5 years. The mean baseline WT was 172lbs, and 122% of ideal body WT (143lbs). WT increased from baseline to the 2nd CT course (p