Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2023

Investigating the nutritional status, outcomes and needs of adolescent and young adults (AYA) following a cancer diagnosis: Protocol for a mixed-methods study (#510)

Erin Laing 1 , Andrew Murnane 2 , Belinda Steer 1 3 , Jeremy Lewin 2 , Heather Gilbertson 4 , Elizabeth Mount 5 , Mary Anne Silvers 6 , Jenelle Loeliger 1 3 , Jodie Bartle 4 , Kristin Mellett 5 , June Savva 6 , Pasquale Fedele 7 , Lisa Orme 2 8 9 , Leanne Super 10
  1. Nutrition & Speech Pathology Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  2. Victorian Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  3. School of Exercise & Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  4. Nutrition & Food Services Department, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  5. Nutrition & Dietetics, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  6. Nutrition & Dietetics, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  7. Department of Haematology, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  8. Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  9. Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  10. Children's Cancer Centre, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Aims

Cancer treatment for AYA can be highly challenging and interfere with optimal nutrition, which is vital for healthy development, physical growth and well-being. Cancer malnutrition and associated negative outcomes are well-studied in adult and paediatric populations, but the distinct nutritional complications and requirements for AYA with cancer are poorly understood. This mixed methods study aims to explore and investigate the nutritional status, needs and outcomes of AYA after cancer diagnosis.

 

Methods

AYA (aged 15-25 years) diagnosed with cancer at three tertiary adult and paediatric health services will be recruited to a longitudinal observational study. Eligible patients will be within 6-weeks of cancer diagnosis or relapse and undergoing active cancer treatment. Study assessments will be undertaken at four time-points (recruitment, and 2- 4- and 6-months post-recruitment) and include screening for nutrition risk (PNST or MST); assessment of nutritional status (PG-SGA, mid-upper arm circumference); assessment of muscle strength (hand-grip strength); frequency of dietitian referral, nutrition support, and symptoms; and assessment of health-related quality of life (AQOL-6D). The statistical analysis will be primarily descriptive, and effect size estimates (Cohen’s d) will be used to characterise any differences between nutritional status groups at follow-up assessments. During the study period, focus groups will be conducted with a cohort of AYA to explore in-depth their nutrition needs and experiences after a cancer diagnosis. Focus groups will also be conducted with AYA health professionals to explore their opinions regarding nutrition support requirements for AYA with cancer.

 

Results

The six-month recruitment period commenced in July 2023, and preliminary results will be available in November 2023.


Conclusions

This multi-site longitudinal study will explore and describe the nutritional status, needs and nutrition-related outcomes of AYA after a cancer diagnosis. Results will inform future clinical practice guidelines, and interventional nutrition research targeting patients identified at greater risk of nutritional complications.