IDH inhibitors are targeted therapies designed to treat certain gliomas with an IDH mutation. Many patients tolerate these medications well and are able to remain on treatment for long periods. Along with regular medical follow-up, healthy lifestyle choices can play an important role in supporting your overall health, minimizing side effects, and helping you stay on therapy safely.
“I personally think that a healthy mind and body go together. I can’t say that there is complete correlation. Some tumors are just more aggressive, but it definitely doesn’t hurt and we definitely recommend to all patients,” Dr. Michal Nisnboym Ziv, a neuro-oncologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, tells SurvivorNet.
Supporting Your Body Through Nutrition
A balanced diet supports overall health, strength, and recovery during treatment. General nutrition tips include:
- Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, which provide vitamins and antioxidants
- Including lean proteins (fish, poultry, beans, eggs) to support muscle and healing
- Choosing whole grains for steady energy
- Staying well hydrated unless otherwise instructed by your doctor
Protecting Liver Health
Because IDH inhibitors can occasionally affect the liver, lifestyle choices that support liver health are especially important.
This may include:
- Avoiding unnecessary over-the-counter medications or supplements unless approved by your doctor
- Being cautious with acetaminophen (Tylenol) and follow dosing instructions carefully
- Informing your care team about all supplements, vitamins, and herbal products you take
- Keeping all scheduled blood tests and regular liver lab appointments to monitor liver function
Because liver enzymes can rise on therapy and are monitored, patients may also want to reduce or completely abstain from consuming alcohol. Alcohol is processed by the liver, and IDH inhibitors can affect liver function, so most doctors recommend limiting or avoiding alcohol while on treatment.
“Abstinence from alcohol is an example for adherence. So I think it doesn’t require a lot from the patient, but it does require some, I would say modification with food and alcohol beverages,” Dr. Nisnboym Ziv explains.
If you drink alcohol, discuss safe limits with your care team.
Physical Activity: Staying Active Safely
Regular physical activity can improve energy levels, mood, and overall well-being.
Patients can aim for light to moderate activity such as walking, stretching, or gentle yoga. It’s important to listen to your body and rest when needed. Activity and recovery should be balanced, especially during periods of fatigue.
Working with a physical therapist can help if you have weakness, balance issues, or neurologic symptoms.
Exercise does not need to be intense to be beneficial. Even small amounts of movement can make a difference.
Sleep And Fatigue Management
Fatigue is common in patients with glioma and during cancer treatment. Maintaining a healthy and regular sleep schedule can also help with symptoms associated with the disease.
“We know that stress and lack of sleep can kind of contribute to real seizures,” Dr. Nisnboym Ziv explains.
Patients should consider creating a calm bedtime routine, limiting caffeine later in the day, and taking short naps during the day at times not likely to affect nighttime sleep. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule can support cognitive function, immune health, and emotional well-being.
Cognitive Health And Brain Wellness
Because gliomas affect the brain, supporting cognitive health is important.
Patients might consider:
- Engaging in mentally stimulating activities (reading, puzzles, conversation)
- Using planners, reminders, or apps to help with memory
- Reporting new or worsening cognitive changes to your care team
- Avoiding multitasking when fatigued
These strategies can help you stay independent and confident in daily life.
Medication Adherence And Safety
Taking your IDH inhibitor exactly as prescribed is critical. To stay on schedule, it’s generally recommended that patients take medication at the same time each day, do not skip doses or change dosing without medical guidance, and use pill organizers or phone reminders if necessary.
It’s also important to notify your doctor if you miss doses or experience side effects. Never stop taking your medication on your own.
Avoiding Drug And Supplement Interactions
IDH inhibitors can interact with other medications. Patients should always inform their doctors about any new prescriptions.
Supplements, herbal remedies, and alternative therapies should be checked with doctors as well, as they can also interact with medication.
It might be necessary to avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice if your doctor advises against it.
Clear communication helps prevent unwanted interactions.
Questions To Ask Your Doctor
- Is there anything I need to avoid in my diet while on an IDH inhibitor?
- Is there a nutritionist or dietician I can work with for guidance?
- What sort of physical activity do you recommend in my case?
- What are my options if I am having trouble sleeping?
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