PMID: 16505876Mar 1, 2006Paper

Treatment with nutrition and fluids in patients with non-curable cancer

Tidsskrift for den Norske lægeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny række
Tone NordøyRune Svensen

Abstract

Patients with non-curable cancer represent a large and heterogeneous group in which malnutrition and weight loss is a frequent finding. This article is based on relevant literature and our own clinical experience. For every patient a thorough examination of possible underlying causes should be explored and corrected as soon as possible (secondary cachexia). However, in many patients primary cachexia is the cause, a catabolic condition where muscle protein and lipids are degraded and even aggressive nutrition will not reverse the process. This condition is very different from starvation. Metoclopramide, corticosteroids and gestagens can relieve symptoms as anorexia, chronic nausea and asthenia which frequently occur in patients with cachexia. Treatments that may maintain or increase muscle function and modulate inflammatory processes are new approaches, such as eicosapentaneoic acid, adenosine triphosphate, specific amino acids and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Nutrition is an integrated part of supportive therapy to all cancer patients, unless expected survival is short. At this time in life, nutrition will not influence survival and focus should be on symptom control.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Cachexia & Brown Fat

Cachexia is a condition associated with progressive weight loss due to severe illness. In cancer patients, it is proposed to occur as a result of tumor-induced energy wasting. Several proteins have been implicated in browning and depletion of white adipose tissue. Here is the latest research on cachexia and brown fat.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric condition characterized by severe weight loss and secondary problems associated with malnutrition. Here is the latest research on AN.

Cardiac Cachexia

Cardiac cachexia is a syndrome associated with the progressive loss of muscle and fat mass. It most commonly affects patients with heart failure and can significantly decrease the quality of life and survival in these patients. Here is the latest research on cardiac cachexia.

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