Background: The Optimising Care Study is a two-arm randomised controlled trial evaluating the effect of individualised dietary and exercise support on muscle mass, physical function and quality of life, compared to best current practice, for women with metastatic breast cancer. Currently, there is a lack of evidence-based dietary guidelines and recommendations specific to women with metastatic breast cancer. A myriad of dietary information with varying levels of clinical evidence on efficacy and safety is available, making it challenging for women with metastatic breast cancer to know what they should or should not do with their dietary intake to improve survival and quality of life outcomes.
Methods: The primary focus of the dietary intervention is to assist women to achieve adequate protein intake to maintain muscle mass. Dependent on the needs and priorities of each participant, education on nutritional management of side effects and improving dietary quality may be provided, along with support navigating dietary (mis)information. Cases are discussed at regular allied health multidisciplinary team meetings. Across the past year, a number of themes around dietary support needs have emerged from case discussions, including: supplement safety and identifying supplement-related harms; misinformation on the efficacy, safety and suitability of restrictive diets such as intermittent fasting; and recommendations related to body weight and body weight changes.
Implications for practice: This presentation aims to create awareness around dietary issues relevant to women with metastatic breast cancer and the specialised role of an Accredited Practising Dietitian in providing supportive care. Examples of clinical situations and responses will be provided through case studies, and will be used to highlight the unique needs of this population. This presentation will also upskill dietitians and other health professionals providing support to women with metastatic breast cancer.