Oncologists’ awareness of the ERAS Protocols and RUSSCO guidelines key provisions on nutritional support in patients with cancer

BACKGROUND: Despite existing evidence supporting the effectiveness of nutritional support in oncology care, its practical implementation by oncologists remains insufficient.

AIM: This study aimed to assess practicing oncologists’ awareness of the key provisions of the Russian Society of Clinical Oncology (RUSSCO) guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer-related malnutrition and to determine their adherence to these recommendations.

METHODS: A survey was conducted among oncologists. The questionnaire included nine statements addressing respondents’ awareness of the provisions of the RUSSCO clinical guidelines on nutritional support and the frequency of its prescription, oncologists’ adherence to Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols, as well as their general attitude toward nutritional status screening.

RESULTS: A total of 233 questionnaires were analyzed. The RUSSCO guidelines on nutritional support were known to 179 (76.8%) respondents; nutritional assessment tools were recognized by 54.1% (n = 126), and 43.3% (n = 101) applied them in practice. Sip feeding was recommended by 146 (62.7%) doctors. Nutritional support was provided preoperatively by 43.8% (n = 102), during chemotherapy by 54.5% (n = 126), during radiotherapy by 36.1% (n = 84), and postoperatively by 60.1% (n = 140) respondents. Adherence oncologists to ERAS protocols regarding preoperative fasting and fluid restriction did not exceed 10%. The vast majority (96.6%) of respondents considered nutritional status assessment important.

CONCLUSION: Despite a relatively high level of awareness of clinical recommendations on nutritional support and general acceptance of nutritional status screening, therapeutic nutrition was practically prescribed by only 36.1% to 62.7% of respondents. To shift the paradigm in the prescription of therapeutic nutrition, educational efforts and further studies demonstrating its effectiveness, particularly in the context of ERAS protocols, are required.