Point-of-use chlorine residuals and disinfection byproduct occurrences in rural households served by public water utilities in Appalachian Virginia.

We characterized concentrations of trihalomethanes (THMs), a measure of disinfection byproducts (DBPs), in tap water samples collected from households with utility-supplied water in two rural counties in Appalachian Virginia, and assessed associations with pH, free chlorine, and metal ions which can impact THM formation. Free chlorine concentrations in all samples (n = 27 homes) complied with EPA drinking water guidelines, though 7% (n = 2) of first draw samples and 11% (n = 3) of 5-min flushed-tap water samples exceeded the US Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) maximum contaminant level (MCL) for THM (80 ppb). Regression analyses showed that free chlorine and pH were positively associated with the formation of THM levels above SDWA MCLs (OR = 1.04, p = 0.97 and OR = 1.74, p = 0.79, respectively), while temperature was negatively associated (OR = 0.78, p = 0.38). Of the eight utilities serving study households, samples from water served by three different utilities exceeded the EPA MCL for THM. Overall, these findings do not indicate substantial exposures to DBPs for rural households with utility-supplied water in this region of southwest Virginia. However, given the observed variability in THM concentrations between and across utilities, and established adverse health impacts associated with chronic and acute DBP exposure, more research on DBPs in rural Central Appalachia is warranted.

Nutrition outcomes and treatment toxicities in patients with head and neck cancer receiving helical intensity-modulated radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Helical intensity-modulated radiotherapy (H-IMRT) provides excellent limitation of dose to tissues not requiring treatment, although acute toxicity still occurs. The present study aimed to determine how treatment-related acute toxicities affect nutrition outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in 194 patients undergoing curative intent H-IMRT with or without other treatment modalities. Weight outcomes (kg) and acute toxicity and dysphagia data were collected during treatment using Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Effects (CTCAE), version 4.0. RESULTS: Significant weight loss (> 10%) was observed in 30% of high nutritional risk patients and 7% of low nutritional risk patients. Nausea, adjusted for baseline dysphagia, in high nutritional risk patients and nausea, dysphagia and pharyngeal mucositis in low nutritional risk patients were significant factors in explaining the percentage loss in baseline weight to treatment completion. CONCLUSIONS: Significant weight loss remains an issue during treatment, despite improvements in radiotherapy technology and high-level multidisciplinary care.

Impact of sarcopenia and myosteatosis on survival outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer undergoing curative-intent treatment.

Malnutrition and sarcopenia are prevalent in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Pre-treatment sarcopenia and adverse oncological outcomes in this population are well described. The impact of myosteatosis and post-treatment sarcopenia is less well known. Patients with HNSCC (n = 125) undergoing chemoradiotherapy, radiotherapy alone and/or surgery were assessed for sarcopenia and myosteatosis, using cross-sectional computed tomography (CT) imaging at the third lumbar (L3) vertebra, at baseline and 3 months post-treatment. Outcomes were overall survival (OS) at 12 months and 5 years post-treatment. One hundred and one participants had a CT scan evaluable at one or two time points, of which sixty-seven (66 %) participants were sarcopenic on at least one time point. Reduced muscle attenuation affected 93 % (n = 92) pre-treatment compared with 97 % (n = 90) post-treatment. Five-year OS favoured those without post-treatment sarcopenia (hazard ratio, HR 0·37, 95 % CI 0·16, 0·88, P = 0·06) and those without both post-treatment myosteatosis and sarcopenia (HR 0·33, 95 % CI 0·13, 0·83, P = 0·06). Overall, rates of myosteatosis were high at both pre- and post-treatment time points. Post-treatment sarcopenia was associated with worse 5-year OS, as was post-treatment sarcopenia in those who had myosteatosis. Post-treatment sarcopenia should be evaluated as an independent risk factor for decreased long-term survival post-treatment containing radiotherapy (RT) for HNSCC.

Investigating the dietary knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of Australian patients with cancer.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence linking diet to the risk of developing cancer and preventing recurrence, but the therapeutic value of food in treating cancer remains unclear. Therefore, guidelines for well-nourished patients with cancer are based on general healthy eating recommendations. This study aims to describe patients' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs towards the role of diet and cancer. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken between July 2016 and January 2017. Patients being reviewed by Medical Oncology at a tertiary cancer service were invited to complete a questionnaire. RESULTS: One hundred and nine patients participated, with 61% receiving curative treatment. Median body mass index was 26.9 kg/m2 . A high frequency reported weight change (72%) and dietary modifications (reduction in overall intake; 62%). Patients were more likely to modify their diet if they had experienced weight change [odds ratio (OR): 3.59, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.49-8.63], had malignancy-related anorexia (OR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.06-5.32), strongly believed that diet contributed to their cancer (OR: 9.09, 95% CI: 2.55-32.44) or felt that nutrition played an important role in treatment (OR: 4.50, 95% CI: 1.95-10.40). Dietary information was largely sought from their hospital dietitian (51%), the Internet (39%), or treating oncologist (35%), of whom 47% and 57% found the information from their hospital dietitian and oncologist helpful, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey confirms patients place great importance on diet as part of their cancer management. Evidence-based dietetic services currently focus on managing malnutrition during treatment, but this study has identified hospital clinicians are not necessarily providing dietary information to meet patient expectations and thus a potential gap in patient-centred nutrition services for this patient population.

Improving patient and carer access to information and support through head and neck cancer treatment and survivorship using experience-based co-design.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have highlighted the unmet nutritional and supportive care needs of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) and their carers from diagnosis and throughout the treatment and survivorship period. The aim of this study was to bring patients, carers and healthcare professionals together to co-design a framework to improve access to nutrition information and support for patients and carers with HNC from diagnosis and throughout the treatment and survivorship period. METHODS: Using experience-based co-design (EBCD), semistructured individual interviews were conducted with patients, carers and healthcare professionals to understand their experiences in accessing information and support outside of the hospital environment. Feedback events and co-design workshops were held to prioritise areas for service improvement. RESULTS: Participants (10 patients, 7 carers and 15 healthcare professionals) highlighted the importance of having consistent information and support recommendations from the multidisciplinary team. The two key areas for improvement identified through group and workshop events were linking reputable HNC resources to a HNC portal on the hospital website and the development of a series of short podcasts and video blogs with fact sheets attached presented by members of the multidisciplinary team, patients and carers at four time points spanning pretreatment and throughout the survivorship period. CONCLUSIONS: Using EBCD has enabled the co-design of a framework for resource development with patients, carers and healthcare professionals to improve access to information and resources to support nutrition intake and supportive care needs for patients with HNC with their carers. Development and implementation of resources and evaluation of outcomes is ongoing.

Malnutrition and clinical outcomes post alloSCT.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition has been linked with higher risk of poor outcomes post-allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT); however, few studies have used a validated nutrition assessment tool such as the Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment (i.e., PG-SGA) to measure nutritional status and investigate associations with long-term clinical outcomes. The present study aimed to assess the incidence of malnutrition prior to alloSCT and determine whether there was an association between nutritional status pre-transplant and post-transplant clinical outcomes including acute kidney injury, graft-versus-host disease, intensive care admission, need for haemodialysis and survival. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 362 patients (213 males:149 females, mean ± SD age = 47.8 ± 14.1 years) who underwent alloSCT from 2008 to 2013 was conducted. Data on clinical outcomes were obtained for 5 years post-transplant. RESULTS: Fifteen percent (n = 56) of patients were identified as malnourished pre-admission. Malnutrition was associated with longer hospital stay (p = 0.007), increased requirement for haemodialysis (p = 0.016) and increased admissions to the intensive care unit (p = 0.003). There was no association between malnutrition and acute kidney injury, graft-versus-host disease or survival. Following multivariate analyses, malnutrition remained significantly associated with increased admission rates to the intensive care unit (odds ratio = 3.8, 95% confidence interval = 1.3-10.5, p = 0.011) and increased length of hospital stay > 30 days (odds ratio = 3.6. 95% confidence interval = 1.8-7.4, p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings add importance to the need for nutrition screening and assessment to be routinely undertaken for patients prior to alloSCT and throughout hospitalisation to provide early nutrition intervention for the prevention of malnutrition, poor clinical outcomes and increased healthcare costs.

Nutritional status and post-operative complications in patients undergoing surgery for advanced pharyngeal or laryngeal cancer.

PURPOSE: Malnutrition is an important prognostic indicator of post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for head and neck cancer, however, limited studies utilize validated nutrition assessment tools to accurately assess risk. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between nutritional status on post-operative complications and length of stay for patients undergoing either a laryngectomy, pharyngectomy or pharyngolaryngectomy for head and neck cancer. METHODS: Patients with head and neck cancer undergoing a laryngectomy, pharyngectomy or pharyngolaryngectomy at a tertiary hospital in Australia were eligible for this retrospective cohort study (n = 40). Nutritional status was assessed by the dietitian on admission using the validated Subjective Global Assessment tool. Clinical outcomes were collected via retrospective chart review and included length of stay and post-operative complications. RESULTS: Pre-operative malnutrition incidence was 40%. Malnourished patients had higher incidences of any type of complication (57% vs 44%, p = 0.013) and pressure injury (86% vs 14%, p = 0.011) compared to well-nourished patients. Well-nourished patients had a clinically important shorter median length of stay compared to malnourished patients (17.5 vs 20 days). CONCLUSION: Early identification and management of malnutrition is essential to minimize risk of post-operative complications and reduce length of stay and should be considered a key component of prehabilitation programs.

The changing face of head and neck cancer: are patients with human papillomavirus-positive disease at greater nutritional risk? A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is now the primary cause of oropharyngeal head and neck cancer (OPC) worldwide; yet limited research has examined the effect of HPV-positive status (OPC+) on nutrition outcomes. This study aims to determine the impact of HPV status on nutritional outcomes for adult patients with OPC undergoing any treatment modality. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted up to and including July 2021 of PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and Web of Science to identify studies conducted in adults (>18 years) with known OPC reporting on any outcome(s) related to nutrition, according to HPV status (OPC+ versus OPC-). Bias was assessed using QUIPS tool, with certainty of evidence assessed using GRADE system. RESULTS: Six studies (total n = 635) all at moderate-high risk of bias were included. Three studies reported on weight change (n = 255), three feeding tube dependency (n = 380), three feeding tube timing of placement (prophylactic or reactive) and/or utilisation (n = 255), two nutritional (energy and/or protein) intake (n = 230), and one nutritional status (n = 83). Patients with OPC+ may experience greater weight loss, may have higher utilisation of reactive feeding tubes (both GRADE low certainty, downgraded due to serious bias and imprecision), and may have lower feeding tube dependency rates (GRADE low certainty, downgraded due to serious bias and inconsistency) versus OPC- . It is uncertain whether nutritional intake and nutritional status differed between populations (GRADE very low certainty, downgraded due to serious bias and very serious imprecision). CONCLUSION: Further, high-quality research is needed to understand optimal nutritional care practices for patients with OPC + to achieve positive health outcomes into survivorship.

Patient and carer experience of nutrition care throughout and beyond treatment for head and neck cancer: a qualitative longitudinal study.

Nutrition care plays a critical role in optimising outcomes for patients receiving treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC), with carers playing an important role in supporting patients to maintain nutrition intake. This study explores patient and carer experience of nutrition care from diagnosis of HNC to 1 year post treatment completion to identify areas for improvement of service delivery. A longitudinal qualitative study design was used with a heterogeneous sample of 20 patients and 15 carers of patients undergoing curative intent treatment for HNC. Interviews conducted at four time points provided a total of 117 interview datasets that were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis based on Gadamerian hermeneutic inquiry. Patient and carer experiences were reflected in two primary themes: (1) the battle to maintain control and (2) navigating the road ahead. This research identifies the need to co-design strategies to improve nutrition care that is inclusive of patients and carers.

A qualitative comparison of the nutrition care experiences of carers supporting patients with head and neck cancer throughout surgery and radiation treatment and survivorship.

PURPOSE: To understand and compare the nutrition care experiences of carers supporting patients throughout surgery and radiation treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) to inform changes to service delivery in the inpatient and outpatient setting to ensure carers needs in their supportive role throughout the treatment and survivorship period are met. METHODS: As part of a larger study, narrative interviews were completed with fourteen carers of patients diagnosed with HNC at 2 weeks, 3 months and 12 months post-treatment completion. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to interpret and understand differences in carer experiences of nutrition care between surgery and radiation treatment. RESULTS: Two main themes across each treatment modality were identified: (1) access to information and support from healthcare professionals and (2) adjustment to the physical and psychological impact of treatment. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the increasing need to ensure carers are included in the provision of nutrition information and support to patients throughout and beyond their treatment trajectory. Having structured support available to patients and carers throughout radiation treatment meant that carer needs were reduced. However, without the opportunity for structured support in the inpatient setting, many carers expressed high care needs in supporting patients in the post-surgical phase. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Providing carers with access to structured support for nutrition care in the inpatient and outpatient setting can reduce their supportive care needs throughout the treatment and survivorship period.

Vitamin requirements during stem cell transplantation: a systematic review.

Patients undergoing stem cell transplantation (SCT) are at high risk of malnutrition during the acute post-transplantation period. This systematic review aimed to collate and analyse the evidence for vitamin requirements post-SCT. A systematic search of five databases was conducted to include studies published until March 2021. The review utilised the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) framework. Inclusion criteria consisted of adults undergoing SCT who received vitamin supplementation or had their vitamin levels monitored up to 100 days post-SCT. Studies with paediatric patients or those that looked at vitamin derivates such as folinic acid were excluded. Main outcomes included vitamin deficiency and relevant clinical outcomes. Eleven studies (n = 11) were eligible for inclusion with five rated as neutral quality and six as positive quality. Five studies focused on allogenic SCT, two on autologous SCT and the remaining included a mix of both. Eight studies monitored vitamins levels post-SCT, and seven studies provided vitamin supplementation. Three studies (one provided supplementation) found a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (23-60%) prior to SCT. Findings indicate an unclear association between vitamin deficiency and post-SCT complications including acute graft-versus-host-disease, oral mucositis, and mortality. The GRADE certainty of evidence across these outcomes was low or very low. It is unclear if supplementation is needed during SCT, though assessing vitamin D levels prior to transplant should be considered. Further large observational studies or randomised control trials are required to establish vitamin requirements and guide supplementation protocols during SCT.

Essential elements of optimal dietary and exercise referral practices for cancer survivors: expert consensus for medical and nursing health professionals.

PURPOSE: To develop and establish expert consensus on essential elements of optimal dietary and exercise referral practices for cancer survivors. METHODS: A four-round modified, Delphi method (face-to-face and electronic). In round 1, initial statements were drafted based on Cancer Australia's Principles of Cancer Survivorship and input from key stakeholders through a cancer preconference workshop. In round 2, the initial statements were distributed to a panel (round 1 participants) to establish consensus by rating the importance of each statement using a five-point Likert scale. Statements that required significant changes in wording were redistributed to panel members in round 3 for voting. Round 4 was for consumers, requiring them to rate their level of agreement of final statements. RESULTS: In total, 82 stakeholders participated in round 1. Response rates for survey rounds 2 and 3 were 59% (n = 54) and 39% (n = 36). Panel members included nurses (22%), dietitians (19%), exercise professionals (16%), medical practitioners (8%), and consumers (4%). The mean "importance" rating for all essential elements was 4.28 or higher (i.e., fairly important, or very important). Round 4's consumer-only engagement received responses from 58 consumers. Overall, 24 elements reached consensus following some revised wording, including the development of three new statements based on panel feedback. CONCLUSION: Our developed essential elements of optimal dietary and exercise referral practices can help provide guidance to medical and nursing health professionals relevant to dietary and exercise referral practices. Future research should conduct an implementation intervention and evaluation of these essential elements to optimise dietary and exercise care in cancer survivors.

Optimal frequency of individualised nutrition counselling in patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancers (HNC) are strongly associated with malnutrition. This systematic review aimed to investigate the optimal frequency of individualised nutrition counselling (INC) pre-, peri- and post-treatment for patients with HNC. METHODS: Pubmed, EMBASE, Cinahl and Scopus were searched from inception through to April 2020 to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that focused on the INC frequency for adult patients with HNC (Registration no. 178868). The outcomes assessed were nutritional status, dietary intake, weight change, treatment interruptions, unplanned hospital admissions, quality of life, complications and morbidity. Certainty of evidence was assessed using Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). RESULTS: Four RCTs were identified with five papers (n = 500 total participants). The certainty of evidence was 'high' for nutritional status and quality of life, 'moderate' for treatment interruptions and unplanned hospital admissions, and 'low' for percentage weight change, complications/morbidity and dietary intake. Compared to control groups, there were consistent improvements for nutritional status, quality of life, treatment interruptions, unplanned hospital admissions, dietary intake, percentage weight change and morbidity when weekly INC was provided peri-treatment and fortnightly INC was provided post-treatment. No statistical significance was found for treatment interruptions, dietary intake and weight change when INC was provided fortnightly peri-treatment only. There were no RCTs in the current review that offered INC pre-treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review shows beneficial effects with weekly INC peri-treatment and fortnightly INC post-treatment for patients with HNC in all outcomes studied. Future research should focus on models of care to address the optimal frequency of pre-treatment INC as well as the duration of post-treatment INC.

Exploring dyadic management of nutrition care throughout and beyond head and neck cancer treatment.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To identify how patients and carers collaborate to manage nutrition care throughout and beyond head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment as a step towards identifying changes to service delivery that are inclusive of the needs of the patient-carer dyad. BACKGROUND: Research in the field of dyadic interventions in cancer care is emerging, and there has been little work exploring patient-carer dyad needs in the provision of nutrition care in HNC. DESIGN: A qualitative study design was used. METHODS: Narrative interviews were completed with 13 patients and 15 carers over a 12-month period (prior to treatment commencing, and 2 weeks, 3 months and 12 months post-treatment completion). Deductive analysis of interview transcripts was performed using directed content analysis guided by the Theory of Dyadic Illness Management (TDIM). COREQ guidelines were used. RESULTS: Seven themes across four TDIM constructs were identified: (1) understanding and adapting to physical challenges impacting nutrition intake, (2) adjusting to emotional impact of changes to eating and drinking, (3) providing practical support, (4) intrapersonal characteristics, (5) interpersonal characteristics, (6) healthcare culture and (7) managing carer burnout. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of healthcare professionals recognising the patient and carer dyad as a team to enhance engagement in nutrition care and to ensure that their physical and psychological support needs across the cancer continuum are met. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: It is important that healthcare professionals understand information and support needs and preferences within patient-carer dyads prior to HNC treatment commencing and adapt care and interventions based on their changing needs throughout and beyond the treatment period.

Exploration of current dietetic practices for patients with gynaecological cancers undergoing radiotherapy in Australia: a cross-sectional survey.

PURPOSE: Radiotherapy for gynaecological cancers often causes gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities such as diarrhoea. Evidence for the potential benefits of dietary interventions on the management of acute GI toxicities is inconclusive and of low quality, with no clear evidence-based guidelines to inform clinical practice. This study aims to provide an overview of current opinions and clinical practice of dietitians treating this cohort and to examine existing models of nutrition care in Australian cancer centres. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted over a video conferencing service to collect information relating to: demographic characteristics; referral protocol and post-treatment pathways; management strategies and interventions prescribed; and attitudes and confidence in service provided. Descriptive analysis was performed on quantitative data, and thematic analysis was performed on qualitative data. RESULTS: In total, 17 dietitians across Australia participated in the study. Almost all centres (94%) had dietetics services available for this patient cohort; however, most did not have an automatic referral pathway (94%) or post-treatment pathway (88%). The opinions and prescription of dietary interventions for symptom management had multiple variations of a 'low' or 'modified-fibre' diet with differing ratios of soluble and insoluble fibre. Over half of the respondents believed that practice was not standardized within their workplace (58%) or Australia (82%). CONCLUSION: There are variations in service provision with respect to opinions and prescription of dietary modifications within dietetic practice across Australia. The present study highlights the need to investigate the efficacy of dietary interventions on symptom management to better inform evidence-based models of care.

The effects of a family-centered psychosocial-based nutrition intervention in patients with advanced cancer: the PiCNIC2 pilot randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition in advanced cancer patients is common but limited and inconclusive data exists on the effectiveness of nutrition interventions. Feasibility and acceptability of a novel family-based nutritional psychosocial intervention were established recently. The aims of this present study were to assess the feasibility of undertaking a randomised controlled trial of the latter intervention, to pilot test outcome measures and to explore preliminary outcomes. METHODS: Pilot randomised controlled trial recruiting advanced cancer patients and family caregivers in Australia and Hong Kong. Participants were randomised and assigned to one of two groups, either a family-centered nutritional intervention or the control group receiving usual care only. The intervention provided 2-3 h of direct dietitian contact time with patients and family members over a 4-6-week period. During the intervention, issues with nutrition impact symptoms and food or eating-related psychosocial concerns were addressed through nutrition counselling, with a focus on improving nutrition-related communication between the dyads and setting nutritional goals. Feasibility assessment included recruitment, consent rate, retention rate, and acceptability of assessment tools. Validated nutritional and quality of life self-reported measures were used to collect patient and caregiver outcome data, including the 3-day food diary, the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment Short Form, the Functional Assessment Anorexia/Cachexia scale, Eating-related Distress or Enjoyment, and measures of self-efficacy, carers' distress, anxiety and depression. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients and 54 family caregivers participated in the study. Recruitment was challenging, and for every patient agreeing to participate, 14-31 patients had to be screened. The consent rate was 44% in patients and 55% in caregivers. Only half the participants completed the trial's final assessment. The data showed promise for some patient outcomes in the intervention group, particularly with improvements in eating-related distress (p = 0.046 in the Australian data; p = 0.07 in the Hong Kong data), eating-related enjoyment (p = 0.024, Hong Kong data) and quality of life (p = 0.045, Australian data). Energy and protein intake also increased in a clinically meaningful way. Caregiver data on eating-related distress, anxiety, depression and caregiving burden, however, showed little or no change. CONCLUSIONS: Despite challenges with participant recruitment, the intervention demonstrates good potential to have positive effects on patients' nutritional status and eating-related distress. The results of this trial warrant a larger and fully-powered trial to ascertain the effectiveness of this intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered with the Australian & New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, registration number ACTRN12618001352291 .

Tumor T2 signal intensity and stalk angulation correlates with endocrine status in pituitary adenoma patients: a quantitative 7 tesla MRI study.

PURPOSE: Pituitary adenomas are common CNS tumors that can cause endocrine dysfunction due to hormone oversecretion and by mass effect on the normal gland. The study of pituitary adenomas and adjacent sellar anatomy with high-resolution 7 T MRI may further characterize endocrine dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of 7 T MRI in identifying radiological markers for endocrine function. METHODS: MR images obtained in 23 patients with pituitary adenomas were reviewed by consensus between three neuroradiologists. Landmarks and criteria were devised to measure radiological features of stalk, tumor, and normal gland. Fischer's exact tests and nominal logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: Mean cross-sectional area of the stalk just below the infundibular recess was 6.3 ± 3.7 mm2. Mean curvature and deviation angles were 34.2° ± 23.2° and 29.7° ± 17.3°, respectively. Knosp scores obtained differed between 7 T and lower field strength scans (P < 0.0001 [right] and P = 0.0006 [left]). Ability to characterize tumor was rated higher at 7 T compared with lower field MRI, P = 0.05. Confidence in visualizing normal gland was also higher using 7 T MRI, P = 0.036. The six hormone-secreting tumors had higher corrected T2 mean SI than non-secreting tumors (2.54 vs. - 0.38, P = 0.0196). Seven patients had preoperative hypopituitarism and had significantly greater stalk curvature angles than patients without hypopituitarism (71.7° vs. 36.55°, P = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Radiological characterization of pituitary adenomas and adjacent native pituitary tissue may benefit with the use of 7 T MRI. Corrected T2 SI of tumor may be a sensitive predictor of hormonal secretion and may be useful in the diagnostic work-up for pituitary adenoma. 7 T MRI may be valuable in identifying markers of endocrine function in patients with pituitary adenomas. Our results indicate that hormone-secreting tumors have higher T2-weighted SI and tumors associated with preoperative hypopituitarism have greater stalk curvature angles.

Nutrition support during allogeneic stem cell transplantation: evidence versus practice.

PURPOSE: Enteral (EN) or parenteral nutrition (PN) is frequently required during allogeneic haematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation (HPCT), however there is limited consensus on the appropriate mode and timing of nutrition support commencement. This study aimed to investigate current nutrition support practices in Australian allogeneic transplant units and explore barriers and enablers to the use of EN and PN. METHODS: All Australian adult allogeneic HPCT units were eligible to participate. A survey tool was developed, and phone interview with each unit dietitian was completed to explore current nutrition support and perceived barriers and enablers to provision of nutrition care. RESULTS: A total of 12 (100%) units agreed to participate. Six (50%) units reported using PN as standard care and six use EN routinely for one or more conditioning regimens. All units using EN place feeding tubes proactively with tolerance of EN reported at 50-95%. The most frequently reported barriers to the use of EN include perception of poor EN tolerance, medical team preference for PN, gastrointestinal symptoms and thrombocytopenia. Reported barriers to the use of PN include fluid overload, elevated liver enzymes, patient apprehension about PN commencement, medical team uncertainty if PN is required and patients approaching engraftment. CONCLUSION: There is wide variation in the mode and timing of nutrition support provided to patients undergoing allogeneic HPCT. Clinical guidelines should be updated to reflect recent findings on EN use and incorporate strategies to optimise EN tolerance. This will assist in standardising practice and facilitate evidence-based nutrition care.

Patient and carer experience of nutrition care throughout treatment for head and neck cancer: a systematic qualitative review and thematic synthesis.

Nutrition care plays a critical role in the provision of best practice care to head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, with carers playing an important role in supporting patients to maintain nutrition intake. This qualitative systematic review investigated patient and carer experience of nutrition care throughout and beyond HNC treatment. Five databases were systematically searched for qualitative studies reporting on patient and carer experience of nutrition care throughout HNC. Twenty-five studies including 435 patients and 46 carers were identified, revealing three themes: information and support in the healthcare setting, enteral feeding challenges and management, and life outside hospital. Findings highlight the importance of providing individualised person-centred nutrition care to patients with HNC and their carers. Further qualitative research is needed to inform healthcare professionals about the needs of patients and carers to provide appropriate support throughout the treatment trajectory across and between different treatment modalities.

Awareness, perceptions and practices regarding cancer-related malnutrition and sarcopenia: a survey of cancer clinicians.

PURPOSE: Cancer-related malnutrition and sarcopenia have severe negative consequences including reduced survival and reduced ability to complete treatment. This study aimed to determine the awareness, perceptions and practices of Australian oncology clinicians regarding malnutrition and sarcopenia in people with cancer. METHODS: A national cross-sectional survey of Australian cancer clinicians was undertaken between November 2018 and January 2019. The 30-item online purpose-designed survey was circulated through professional organizations and health services. RESULTS: The 111 participants represented dietetic (38%), nursing (34%), medical (14%) and other allied health (14%) clinicians. Overall, 86% and 88% clinicians were aware of accepted definitions of malnutrition and sarcopenia, respectively. Perception of responsibility for identification of these conditions varied across participants, although 93% agreed this was a component of their role. However, 21% and 43% of clinicians had limited or no confidence in their ability to identify malnutrition and sarcopenia, respectively. Common barriers to the identification and management of malnutrition were access to the tools or skills required and a lack of services to manage malnourished patients. Common barriers to identification of sarcopenia were lack of confidence and lack of services to manage sarcopenic patients. Enablers for identification and management of malnutrition and sarcopenia were variable; however, training and protocols for management ranked highly. CONCLUSION: While awareness of the importance of cancer-related malnutrition and sarcopenia are high, participants identified substantial barriers to delivering optimal nutrition care. Guidance at a national level is recommended to strengthen the approach to management of cancer-related malnutrition and sarcopenia.