Frequently Asked Questions   /   Coping with Cancer   /   Nutrition During Treatment

Chron's disease and Chemotherapy

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Ellen Sweeney, RD
Last Modified: April 21, 2002

Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts,"
How might chemotherapy affect crohns disease? Do you have any special dietary recommendations for a patient with chrons?

Thank you.  

Ellen Sweeney, RD, registered dietitian at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, responds:

As far as Crohn's disease and cancer treatment, there has been little research on how chemotherapy affects Crohn's disease. For a patient with a history of Crohn's, we would recommend the same dietary management of gastrointestinal side effects as any other chemo patient.

If any diarrhea develops, the recommendations would be a soft, lactose free diet if and adequate fluid intake (48-64 fluid ounces/day) to prevent dehydration. The side effects will also depend on the particular chemo medications used for her cancer. Some have more GI side effects than others. If this woman's intake and weight are being affected, I would recommend a consult with a dietitian so she can evaluate the situation with all the information needed.