Managing Diarrhea During Cancer Treatment

Why It Matters

Effective diarrhea management safeguards nutrition, reduces hospitalizations, and helps patients maintain treatment schedules, directly impacting cancer outcomes and quality of life.

Key Takeaways

• Identify common diarrhea triggers: treatment, surgery, medications, infections
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, spicy, fried foods, and insoluble fiber
• Emphasize soluble fiber and bland proteins for stool consistency
• Hydration target: 8‑10 cups plus extra per loose stool, include electrolytes
• Consider supplements: soluble fiber powders, probiotics, glutamine, Enterade, after medical review

Summary

The webinar, hosted by the Mass General Blum Center and the Cancer Institute, focused on practical strategies for managing diarrhea in patients undergoing cancer treatment. Clinical dietitians Martha Silva and Taylor Klein outlined how chemotherapy, radiation, surgical resections, and certain medications can disrupt gastrointestinal function, leading to graded diarrhea that may impair nutrition and quality of life.

Key recommendations included avoiding irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy or fried foods, and insoluble fiber, while emphasizing soluble‑fiber‑rich foods like applesauce, bananas, oatmeal, and the classic BRAT components. Adequate hydration—8 to 10 cups daily plus an extra cup per loose stool—was stressed, with electrolytes supplied via oral rehydration solutions, sports drinks, or coconut water. The presenters also highlighted the role of targeted supplements, including psyllium‑based soluble fiber, probiotic‑rich fermented foods, glutamine, and the amino‑acid fortified drink Enterade, all to be introduced under medical supervision.

Silva noted, “Left untreated, diarrhea can become life‑threatening, but most cases are manageable with diet and medication adjustments.” She illustrated a sample day of meals—oatmeal with peeled apples, banana‑peanut butter toast, baked chicken with rice—demonstrating how small, frequent, low‑fat, low‑roughage meals can sustain energy while minimizing bowel urgency. The discussion also warned that probiotics may be contraindicated for immunocompromised patients or those receiving immunotherapy.

For oncology providers and caregivers, the session underscored the importance of early nutritional assessment and individualized care plans to prevent dehydration, weight loss, and treatment interruptions. Implementing these evidence‑based dietary tweaks and medication reviews can preserve patients’ functional status and support continuity of cancer therapy.

Original Description

In this session from March 2, 2026, registered dietitians from the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute outline diet strategies to manage diarrhea during cancer treatment.

This session is part of the Nutrition During Cancer Treatment Education Series, a collaboration between the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute and the Maxwell & Eleanor Blum Patient and Family Learning Center.