The initial assessment of nutritional needs for those with mesothelioma is important in order to help potentially improve life-quality, and diagnose the need of nutritional therapy.  Changes in weight, changes in the amount or form of foods eaten, symptoms that have affected appetite, and changes in the quality of normal life are all factors into considering the need of therapy.  Goals of nutritional therapy as well depend, obviously, on the situation with the patient, and their needs.  But nonetheless, the general goal is to help combat any changes which have been experienced in energy since the start of treatment, and to help to maintain a good, healthy weight.

Therapy can help to prevent/correct malnutrition, prevent wasting away of muscle/bone/body mass, help patients to tolerate treatment, help the patient to fight infection,  and improve life for the patient through energy-improving, etc.