Research Projects
Nutrition
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Nutrition intervention for patients with gynaecological cancer
Clinical problem
Past research has suggested 67 per cent of women undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy for ovarian cancer are malnourished, and as many die from wasting associated with severe malnutrition as from the cancer itself.
The study
The project aims to develop a new nutrition treatment standard for patients with gynaecological cancer. Two groups of patients, mostly in the latter stages of ovarian cancer, will receive different treatments. One group will be given the standard treatment while the other will receive intensive nutritional counselling, and fortnightly follow-ups with a dietitian for three months.
Ultimate aim
Researchers expect the study findings will help establish a dietitian consultation as standard practice in hospitals and encourage more hospitals to establish nutrition outpatient clinics to enhance the health and well-being of ovarian cancer patients.
Researcher
Smart State Clinical Fellow Dr Judy Bauer, Dietition
Project Sponsor
Queensland Government Smart State Health and Medical Research Fund
