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Advances in Radiotherapy
& Nuclear Medicine Integrating pet nutrition with radiotherapy and nuclear medicine

2.2. Implementing dietary modifications in the field 2.2.4. Dietary protocols before medical imaging
of veterinary oncology Pre-imaging dietary programs are specifically formulated
The incorporation of pet nutrition with modern treatment to enhance the absorption of radiotracers and the
methods such as radiation and nuclear medicine precision of diagnoses in the field of nuclear medicine.
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signifies notable progress in veterinary oncology. This These protocols require individuals to abstain from
section provides detailed information on several forms eating or make changes to their diet to provide consistent
of nutritional interventions and how they interact with physiological conditions, which in turn minimizes
specific treatments. variations in imaging investigations. A study examined the
impact of fasting and dietary interventions on radiotracer
2.2.1. Protein-rich diet uptake in dogs and found that carefully controlled dietary
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High-protein diets are essential for promoting tissue conditions significantly improved imaging outcomes.
healing, boosting immune system activity, and reducing This research substantiates the utilization of pre-imaging
the negative side effects of cancer treatment in animals. dietary guidelines to augment the dependability of nuclear
Protein is vital for preserving muscle mass, mending tissues imaging examinations. 39
harmed by radiation, and bolstering the immune system’s 2.2.5. Individualized nutritional consultation
response to therapy. Research indicates that high-protein
meals enhance the general well-being and treatment Personalized nutrition counseling customizes nutritional
tolerance of animals undergoing radiation therapy. In a advice based on the specific requirements of each patient,
study, dogs on a high-protein diet demonstrated improved considering aspects such as species, breed, age, and health
bodily condition and experienced fewer adverse effects condition. This tailored method guarantees that nutritional
compared to dogs on regular diets. Similarly, high-protein interventions are efficient, enhancing patient adherence
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diets were shown to boost immune activity and tissue to therapy and overall results. 35,40 Research indicates that
repair processes, resulting in better treatment outcomes. 36 personalized nutrition counseling effectively enhances
treatment adherence and outcomes by specifically
2.2.2. Supplementing with antioxidants addressing the requirements of each patient. A study

Antioxidants are crucial in reducing the harmful effects emphasized the significance of personalized dietary
of radiation-induced oxidative stress and damage to programs for managing dogs undergoing radiation therapy,
tissues. 33,34 Radiotherapy induces the production of free demonstrating that tailored dietary plans significantly
radicals, which have the potential to harm both healthy and improved their health and treatment tolerance. 35
tumor cells. Antioxidants counteract these free radicals, The incorporation of diverse nutritional therapies
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thereby mitigating oxidative stress and safeguarding alongside radiotherapy and nuclear medicine greatly
normal tissues, although at the potential cost of reducing improves the treatment of cancer in companion animals.
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radiotherapy efficiency. A study found that administering High-protein meals, antioxidant and omega-3 fatty
antioxidants to cats undergoing radiotherapy significantly acid supplementation, dietary regimens before medical
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reduced the severity of radiation-induced mucositis. This imaging, and tailored nutrition counseling all contribute
discovery indicates that antioxidants have the ability to to tissue regeneration, immunological function, and
shield tissues from harm and enhance the quality of life for treatment tolerance, while also minimizing the negative
animals undergoing treatment. effects of treatment. Ongoing research and collaboration
between veterinarians, nutritionists, and oncologists are
2.2.3. Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids crucial to improve and optimize these interventions in the
Omega-3 fatty acids offer significant anti-inflammatory field of veterinary oncology. 41
qualities that can decrease inflammation and improve the
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ability of animals to tolerate cancer treatment. These fatty 2.3. Challenges in integrating nutrition with nuclear
acids help regulate the immune response and reduce the medicine interventions for pets
generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Research has While the integration of nutrition with nuclear medicine
shown that supplementing dogs with omega-3 fatty acids interventions holds promise in optimizing treatment
increases the effectiveness of radionuclide therapy. This outcomes for veterinary cancer patients, several challenges
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improvement was achieved by lowering inflammation and must be addressed to realize its full potential. This section
increasing the ability of the dogs to tolerate the treatment. explores the key challenges encountered in implementing
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This study emphasizes the capacity of omega-3 fatty acids nutritional strategies within the context of nuclear
to assist animals during radiation therapy. medicine in veterinary oncology.

Volume 2 Issue 3 (2024) 6 doi: 10.36922/arnm.3522