Dietary Magnesium in Preventing Low Blood Magnesium Levels in Patients With Ovarian Cancer Receiving Carboplatin Chemotherapy

Feasibility of Dietary Magnesium Replacement for Prevention of Hypomagnesemia in Ovarian Cancer Patients Receiving Carboplatin Chemotherapy

This trial studies how well a diet high in magnesium works in preventing low blood magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia) in patients with ovarian cancer receiving carboplatin chemotherapy. Hypomagnesemia is a common side effect of carboplatin-containing chemotherapy. A magnesium rich diet may increase the levels of magnesium in the blood and help prevent hypomagnesemia resulting from carboplatin chemotherapy.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:

I. Evaluate intervention feasibility.

SECONDARY OBJECTIVE:

I. Evaluate occurrence of hypomagnesemia and the need for a pharmacy regimen including oral and intravenous magnesium dosage.

EXPLORATORY OBJECTIVE:

I. Explore changes in other electrolytes, weight, and occurrence of chemotherapy delay or discontinuation and hospitalization which can be related to dietary intervention and program completion.

OUTLINE:

Patients receive a dietary magnesium intervention consisting of a food reference list and phone calls or video interviews from a registered dietitian, integrative medicine physician, or a mid-level provider over 10-20 minutes once a week for up to the 6th cycle of chemotherapy (average 15 weeks).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with previously untreated ovarian cancer.
• Receiving carboplatin-containing chemotherapy of at least 6 consecutive cycles.
• Able to tolerate an oral diet.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior platinum-based chemotherapy.
• Serum creatinine level > 1.4 mg/dL prior to treatment.
• Artificial nutrition (e.g. Ensure or Boost) accounts for > 50% of total calorie intake.