Enteruede as an Elemental Diet for Patients with Head and Neck Cancers

Abstract

Twenty eight patients were given an elemental diet (Enterued®) containing small peptides through a nasal feeding tube. Oral alimentation was difficult for these patients because of head and neck cancer itself or the therapy, surgery and/or irradiation. In 23 of the patients (82.1%) the nutritional status was improved. Diarrhea occurred as a side effect in 5 of them (17.9%), 3 of whom stopped using Enterued®. The speed of administration should be carefully controlled to prevent diarrehea.