Clinical nutrition in the supportive treatment of malignant diseases

Abstract:

Malnutrition as part of the syndrome of cancer anorexia and cachexia is a common problem in the treatment of cancer patients. Diagnosis of malnutrition is performed by simple clinical indexes and by monitoring basic anthropometric parameters. Clinical nutrition is an important component in the supportive treatment of cancer patients in different stages of disease. Syndrome of cancer cachexia, or pre-cachexia, appears also in the earliest stage of the disease. Enteral nutrition (high in protein, with an increased intake of EPA from 2 to 2.2 g / day) is the first choice in nutritional support for the majority of cancer patients. Parenteral nutrition is indicated when the enteral feeding is not tolerated. Implementation of nutritional treatment or support requires respect of basic ethical principles, which is particularly evident in palliative care. A multidisciplinary approach which involves assessing the nutritional status and nutritional intervention, along with numerous additional aspects such as monitoring changes in appetite, exercise and psychosocial and psychological factors, is required for adequate care for cancer patients.

Key words:
cancer cachexia; clinical nutrition; malnutrition; nutritional status