Dialysis in Cancer Treatment

The kidneys have a very important function in the body. Their primary purpose is to rid the blood of waste and excess fluid. They are responsible for producing hormones that maintain a healthy bone structure as well as healthy blood. When the kidneys are not functioning correctly, which could be because of cancer, an accident or physiologic failure, something must take over their role. In some cases a transplant is a viable option. In others, dialysis must be used to sustain somewhat normal kidney function.

Types

• There are different types of dialysis that can be used to replace the functions of the kidneys. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are used quite often. Hemodialysis is completed in-office while peritoneal dialysis can be completed anywhere. Continuous cycling ambulatory dialysis appears to be the preferred method of patients who require dialysis because of the freedom it provides compared to other forms of dialysis.

Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

• Because kidney failure sometimes accompanies cancer, dialysis is severely needed. Most patients who have or have not been diagnosed with cancer and are in need of kidney replacements choose this method because it allows for an improved quality of life. Needles are not used for this procedure and it requires fewer trips to a clinic. This is a portable system, which means it can be used practically anywhere. This appears to be an easier system to use because most patients tend to fully understand the process in roughly one to two weeks.

Costs

• According to USA Today, in 2007 Medicare spent $8.6 billion on dialysis treatments for patients with and without cancer. Peritoneal dialysis has fewer costs associated with it compared to hemodialysis.

Diet

• Patients with and without cancer who are receiving dialysis treatments must manage their diet adequately. Salt should be kept to a minimum because of its tendency to make patients retain water. Potassium should be monitored, but the patient's doctor should be consulted for information on maintaining appropriate levels of potassium. Protein should be consumed moderately, and a high- or low-protein diet should be avoided. Cancer patients must consume fluids on an adjustable basis. If urine output is low, then fluids should be reduced. If, however, the patient is retaining water, fluid intake should be adjusted accordingly. With peritoneal dialysis, the diet should contain higher protein levels and the fluid intake is not quite as regulated.

Survival Rate

• According to the National Kidney Foundation, because every patient has a different diagnosis that will affect their life expectancy, there is no way to definitely know how long patients on dialysis will live.