Leukemia is common neoplastic disease accounting 40-55% worldwide.
Malnutrition in cancer patients has been reported occurrence 36% of patients in USA and in
50 % of patients in Netherlands. Patients' nutritional needs must include energy
requirement to support the patient during the disease and its treatment. Aim: To evaluate
the impact of applying dietary pattern on the nutritional status of patients with leukemia
undergoing chemotherapy. Design: Quasi/experimental research design was utilized in this
study. Sample: A purposive sample of 120 patients with leukemia was included in the
study. Tools: Data was collected by using two tools. Patients were interviewed to collect
socio-demographic data and medical history of the disease. The subjects were undergone a
comprehensive nutritional assessment and application of dietary pattern. Data was collected
during a period of 6 months. Results: The results showed that impact of dietary pattern
during chemotherapy was significantly effective in improving the ` nutritional status, the
chemotherapy side effects and their management. It also showed improvement in the
leukemic patients` anthropometric measurements and laboratory investigations.
Conclusion: Impact of a dietary pattern during chemotherapy was significantly effective in
improving the patients 'nutritional status and their knowledge about nutrition and treatment
Recommendations: Emphasizing the importance of nutritional assessment and management
process in the medical settings are mandatory. Educating and training the nursing staff to be
familiar with how and when to apply such process and improving the food services in
medical setting are highly recommended.