Brief Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the acceptability and adherence of low- and high-intensity remote nutritional interventions for cancer patients in rural and urban areas, specifically focusing on those with invasive cancer who are about to start treatment. The main question\[s\] it aims to answer are:
Can low- and high-intensity remote nutritional interventions improve adherence to cancer treatment and quality of life? What is the impact of nutritional support on treatment delays, unplanned healthcare utilization, and dietary modifications? Researchers will compare the low-intensity arm (initial nutritional consultation plus written materials) to the high-intensity arm (1-hour consultation, monthly follow-ups, and written materials) to see if higher intensity interventions lead to better outcomes in terms of adherence, quality of life, and healthcare utilization.
Participants will:
Receive either a low- or high-intensity nutritional consultation. Complete surveys assessing quality of life, dietary habits, treatment delays, and unplanned healthcare use.
Be asked to participate in monthly follow-up consultations (for the high-intensity group) to track progress and provide additional support.
Diagnosis of invasive cancer with plans to initiate chemo-, immune-, targeted-, or hormonal therapy for treatment of their malignancy, or within one month of starting treatment.
Age ≥ 18 years of age.
Patients must be able to read, write, and speak English as study material and virtual nutrition consultation calls are only available in English.
Patients receiving treatment at a participating ambulatory medical oncology site.
Diagnosis of acute leukemia (these patients generally receive predominantly inpatient care).
Diagnosis of head & neck cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, patients presenting with recognized cachexia or severe malnutrition, or patients with PEG tubes for enteral feeding.
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Treatment groupsSee each treatment group below.