Nutritional support for the cancer patient

Abstract

Cachexia is the commonest cause of death in cancer patients. There are many explanations but a reduced intake of nutrients is the major factor. Undernourished cancer patients are no different from other undernourished patients in biochemical or anthropometric terms. Immunological competence is related to nutritional deprivation as well as the presence of a tumour. Body protein synthetic and catabolic rates are elevated in patients with large tumour masses or metastases. Intravenous feeding while not affecting the outcome of cancer treatment should be given to all those patients who cannot eat normally for significant periods of time. © 1981.