Radical cystectomy (RC) is the removal of the entire bladder and nearby organs that may contain cancer cells. It is a major surgery that can lead to breakdown of proteins in the body and a decreased immune response, both of which increase the risk of illness and death. Poor nutrition status before RC surgery is linked to a higher rate of death after surgery. Therefore, it is important to eat a balanced diet before and after RC surgery to avoid negative outcomes.
Studies show that patients who drink a nutritional supplement that may enhance the immune system before and after gastro-intestinal surgery may have fewer infections and shorter hospital stays after surgery. Patients with cancer of the colon/rectum, stomach, and pancreas who drank a similar immune-enhancing nutritional supplement before and after surgery also had fewer infections.
The purpose of this study is to attain pilot data for a larger trial.
Patients with swallowing difficulties or unable to tolerate oral intake Evidence of metastatic disease Weight loss ≥ 10% (with respect to usual body weight) in the 6 months prior to surgery or BMI ≤ 18.5 Patients undergoing cystectomy for non-bladder primary malignancy or cancer type other than urothelial Active viral infections such as Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive, hepatitis, or who have a known immunodeficient state Prior history of gouty arthritis or uric acid stones Patients with milk, soy, or fish allergies
