National survey of dietary nutritional management of pediatric cancer patients by Japan Children’s Cancer Group

Abstract

Purpose: To provide guidance regarding dietary and nutritional management practices in pediatric cancer in Japan, a nationwide survey was conducted to understand the current situation.

Method: From April to July 2017, the Supportive Care Committee of the Japan Children’s Cancer Group (JCCG) surveyed 153 institutions regarding dietary and nutritional management protocols, using the Survey Monkey^® Web survey system.

Results: Of the 153 institutions contacted, 110 institutions (72%) and 112 clinical departments (106 internal medicine departments and 6 surgical departments) returned valid responses. Dietary restrictions during chemotherapy were performed in 47% and 46% of departments “at the start of chemotherapy” and “at the time when neutrophils <500/μL”, respectively. Nonhospital food was conditionally allowed by 90% of all departments. Most departments restricted nonheated foods, but whether the physicians permitted the consumption of milk, fermented beverages, sealed side dishes, lunch boxes, and home cooking varied among departments. Approximately 40% of all departments reported that all patients received nutritional support from dietitians or a nutritional support team.

Discussion: This survey revealed that dietary and nutritional management protocols for patients with childhood cancer were inconsistent among various health institutions in Japan. In the future, we would like to provide guidance that can be shared among all participating JCCG facilities.