Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Studies showed that, reduction balance impaired in cancer cells versus normal cells and changes in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant have been observed. Poor Nutritional status that is shown by body composition, is an important concern in cancer patients. So that our objects were evaluation of some vitamins and antioxidant index and body composition.     

Method: During two years, 30 ALL patients that admitted to hospital was invited. On the first day of chemotherapy, before taking any medication, 10 ml blood was taken from these patients then, their nutrition intakes, weight and body composition were evaluated by e-body scale. At the end of the eighth course of chemotherapy, these evaluation were repeated.                                  

   Results: Data analysis represented significant decrease in body weight, body mass index, fat free mass percentage and significant increase in body fat percentage, serum vitamin E, total antioxidant capacity and super oxide dismutase and no significant changes in serum vitamin C at the end of the eighth course of chemotherapy.                                                                                         

Conclusion: Chemotherapy and remission cause improvement in antioxidant status in these patients. Also chemotherapy not only decrease body weight but also reduced fat free mass percentage in this patients. This problem shows the need for more serious nutritional support.    Key words: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Antioxidant status, Body composition