Navigating Gastrointestinal Complications in Pediatric Oncology Patients

More than 15,000 children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with cancer. According to the American Childhood Cancer Organization, one in 285 children will be diagnosed before they reach their 20^th birthday. We’re fortunate to live at a time when so many innovative treatments are available. However, many of these treatments can be very irritating to the digestive system, causing many children to experience intense gastrointestinal side effects that can impact their quality of life. Some of the most common side effects include “nausea, vomiting, trouble eating and digesting food, and abdominal pain,” which can lead to malabsorption, dehydration, and nutritional deficiencies.

Cancer treatment can also change the way foods taste and make it difficult for children to eat. Even foods children may have enjoyed prior to treatment may “taste different and unpleasant.” Left unaddressed, treatment side effects can impede a child’s ability to take in enough high-quality calories to maintain their strength and energy during treatment.

Best practices for mitigating GI side effects

According to St. Luke’s Health System, there are a number of steps physicians can take to help children feel better during cancer treatment. To help reduce nausea and vomiting, children should be offered small meals throughout the day instead of just breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals should include foods that are easier to digest, such as applesauce, bananas, and toast. To help them stay hydrated, children should be offered clear juices and sports drinks that contain electrolytes, along with water. There are also medications that can be prescribed to help reduce nausea.

St. Luke’s also offers suggestions for helping children who may not feel hungry or don’t want to eat. This includes offering calorie- and vitamin-rich snacks throughout the day, such as “avocados, full-fat yogurt, trail mix, and nut butters like peanut or almond butter.” Foods that are difficult to swallow can be pureed or made into smoothies to make them easier to eat. If all a child wants to eat is their favorite less-than-healthy food, that’s okay. It’s vital that they ingest enough calories, even if they aren’t always high-quality calories.

Another suggestion by St. Luke’s is to make eating a fun experience by using funny eating utensils and colorful cups and plates. When possible, letting children help make their own food can encourage them to eat.

Taking a multidisciplinary approach to care

The good news is that the “overall cure rate” for childhood cancers is almost 80%. However, treatment can take years and have a long-lasting impact on a child’s quality of life. To achieve the best outcomes takes a multidisciplinary approach and an extensive team of healthcare professionals, including pediatricians, radiation oncologists, surgeons, gastroenterologists, pharmacists, registered dieticians, social workers, psychologists, and more.

Each partner in the child’s care team provides a vital piece to the treatment puzzle. Even one missing piece can negatively impact outcomes. Fortunately, health systems have options. Joining the GI Alliance is a great example. GI Alliance is one of the nation’s largest and most reputable teams of gastroenterology experts, including board-certified pediatric gastroenterologists, several of whom also specialize in child hepatology and nutrition.

GI Alliance pediatric gastroenterologists work with children of all ages with a cancer diagnosis, and they are experts in treating gastrointestinal issues and concerns specific to childhood cancers. GI Alliance provides stress-free, child-friendly treatment environments to ensure the most comfortable experience for children and their parents.

In addition to pediatric gastroenterology, the GI Alliance can facilitate access to the latest innovative treatments and clinical trials. Children who qualify and are enrolled in a clinical trial receive personalized care from a leading-edge staff of GI Alliance digestive disease experts. Each clinical trial has specific qualification criteria. GI Alliance clinical research staff will discuss specific requirements with every child’s parents. Children who qualify receive cutting-edge medications, treatment plans, and highly personalized care tailored to their unique needs, typically at no cost. As a result, clinical trial child participants often receive more frequent and individualized treatments than are likely obtained elsewhere.

Paving the way for a brighter future

Cancer is the second leading cause of death for children from ages one through 14, right behind accidents. It’s a devastating diagnosis and one that can be difficult for children to understand. The side effects of treatment, especially GI-related symptoms, can make the experience even more challenging for children and, when mismanaged, can negatively impact outcomes. That’s why having gastroenterology professionals involved in the care team is so critical. Partnering with the GI Alliance is a great way to ensure a more effective multidisciplinary approach and a brighter future for children living with cancer.

To learn more about GI Alliance, visit https://gialliance.com/.