Researchers studied whether special high-protein drinks could help older adults with stomach cancer who were receiving chemotherapy. Forty-six patients aged 65 and older were split into two groups: one received the protein drinks along with regular nutrition advice, while the other got only regular nutrition advice. After 8 weeks, patients drinking the protein supplements had better nutrition levels and were less likely to become malnourished. However, both groups experienced increased tiredness and emotional challenges from the chemotherapy itself. The protein drinks appear to be a helpful tool for keeping patients better nourished during this difficult treatment period.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether special high-protein drinks could help older stomach cancer patients maintain better nutrition and strength while undergoing chemotherapy treatment
- Who participated: 46 older adults (age 65+) with newly diagnosed stomach cancer who were about to start chemotherapy. Half received protein drinks plus regular nutrition care, and half received only regular nutrition care.
- Key finding: Patients who drank the high-protein supplements had much better nutrition levels after 8 weeks. Only 4.3% of them became malnourished, compared to 17.4% in the group without the drinks. They also ate more protein and calories overall.
- What it means for you: If you or a loved one is an older adult receiving chemotherapy for stomach cancer, protein supplements may help prevent weight loss and malnutrition during treatment. However, these drinks don’t prevent the tiredness and emotional challenges that come with chemotherapy itself. Talk to your doctor about whether these supplements are right for your situation.
The Research Details
This was a randomized controlled trial, which is considered one of the strongest types of medical research. Researchers randomly assigned 46 older patients with stomach cancer into two equal groups. One group received high-protein oral nutritional supplements (special drinks designed to provide extra protein and calories) in addition to standard nutrition advice. The other group received only the standard nutrition advice without the supplements. The study lasted 8 weeks, during which all patients were receiving chemotherapy before surgery. Researchers measured several things at the beginning and end: how well-nourished patients were, their hand grip strength, their ability to do daily activities, and their overall quality of life.
This research design is important because it allows researchers to see whether the protein drinks actually caused the improvements, rather than just observing that people who use them do better. By randomly assigning people to groups and comparing them, scientists can be more confident that the protein drinks themselves made the difference, not other factors like diet or exercise habits.
This study has several strengths: it was a randomized controlled trial (the gold standard for testing treatments), the two groups started out very similar, and researchers used validated measurement tools. However, the sample size was relatively small (46 patients), and the study only lasted 8 weeks, so we don’t know about longer-term effects. The study was also conducted at a single location, which means results might differ in other settings or populations.
What the Results Show
The main finding was that high-protein drinks significantly improved nutrition levels in older cancer patients. Patients who received the supplements had much higher protein and calorie intake compared to those without supplements. Their nutrition scores improved dramatically after 8 weeks, with malnutrition risk dropping to just 4.3% in the supplement group versus 17.4% in the regular care group. This is an important difference because malnutrition can weaken the body and make it harder to tolerate cancer treatment. The protein drinks appeared to be an effective way to prevent this dangerous weight loss and nutritional decline during chemotherapy.
The study also looked at physical function and quality of life. The good news is that both groups maintained their ability to do daily activities like bathing, dressing, and household tasks. However, both groups experienced increased fatigue (tiredness) and emotional challenges over the 8 weeks, which is expected during chemotherapy. Interestingly, constipation got worse in the group without protein supplements but not in the supplement group, suggesting the extra nutrition might help with this side effect.
This research builds on previous studies showing that malnutrition is a serious problem for cancer patients, especially older adults. Earlier research suggested that protein supplements might help, but this study provides stronger evidence by using a randomized design. The findings align with what doctors already know: keeping cancer patients well-nourished helps them tolerate treatment better and may improve outcomes.
The study had several limitations worth noting. First, only 46 patients participated, which is a relatively small number. Second, the study only lasted 8 weeks, so we don’t know if the benefits continue longer or if patients maintain their improved nutrition after treatment ends. Third, the study was conducted at one hospital, so results might be different in other places or with different populations. Finally, while the protein drinks helped with nutrition, they didn’t prevent the tiredness and emotional strain that chemotherapy causes, so they’re not a complete solution to treatment side effects.
The Bottom Line
For older adults (65+) with stomach cancer receiving chemotherapy: High-protein oral nutritional supplements appear to be beneficial for maintaining nutrition and preventing malnutrition. These should be used as part of a complete nutrition plan, not as a replacement for regular meals. Confidence level: Moderate (based on this one study with a small group). Talk with your cancer care team about whether these supplements are appropriate for your specific situation, as individual needs vary.
This research is most relevant for: older adults (65+) with stomach cancer undergoing chemotherapy, their family members and caregivers, oncologists and nutrition specialists treating cancer patients, and healthcare providers working with older adults. This may be less relevant for younger cancer patients or those with different types of cancer, though some principles might apply.
Based on this study, you might expect to see improvements in nutrition levels within 4-8 weeks of starting high-protein supplements. However, the emotional and physical challenges of chemotherapy itself typically continue throughout treatment. Long-term benefits beyond 8 weeks are unknown and would require additional research.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily protein intake in grams and total calories consumed. Set a goal based on your healthcare provider’s recommendation (often 1.2-1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for cancer patients). Log each protein supplement drink consumed and note any changes in energy levels or appetite.
- Add one high-protein supplement drink to your daily routine at a specific time (such as mid-morning or with lunch). Start with one drink per day and gradually increase as tolerated. Track which flavors you prefer and which times of day you tolerate them best, then adjust your routine accordingly.
- Weekly: Record total protein and calorie intake and compare to your goal. Monthly: Assess changes in energy levels, appetite, and how well you’re tolerating treatment. Every 4 weeks: Share your tracking data with your healthcare provider to adjust your nutrition plan if needed. Note any side effects or changes in how you feel.
This research summary is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or is undergoing chemotherapy, please consult with your oncologist, registered dietitian, or healthcare provider before starting any nutritional supplements. Individual nutritional needs vary based on age, overall health, type of cancer, and specific treatment plan. This study involved older adults (65+) with stomach cancer; results may not apply to other populations or cancer types. Always discuss any dietary changes or supplements with your medical team to ensure they won’t interfere with your treatment.