ORAL/ENTERAL NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTATION IN CHILDREN TREATED FOR CANCER IN LOW-MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES IS FEASIBLE AND EFFECTIVE: THE EXPERIENCE OF THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL MANUEL DE JESUS RIVERA "LA MASCOTA" IN NICARAGUA.

Abstract

Children with cancer are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition, which can affect their tolerance of chemotherapy and outcome. In Nicaragua approximately two-thirds of children diagnosed with cancer present with under-nutrition. A nutritional program for children with cancer has been developed at "La Mascota" Hospital. Results of this oral nutritional intervention including difficulties, benefits, and relevance for children treated for cancer in low- and middle-income countries are here reported and discussed.