Open AccessNutritional support of the cancer patient
Author(s) -
Rivadeneira David E.,
Evoy Denis,
Fahey Thomas J.,
Lieberman Michael D.,
Daly John M.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
ca: a cancer journal for clinicians
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 62.937
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1542-4863
pISSN - 0007-9235
DOI - 10.3322/canjclin.48.2.69
Subject(s) - medicine , weight loss , cachexia , malnutrition , cancer , pancreatic cancer , wasting , anorexia , lung cancer , quality of life (healthcare) , oncology , obesity , nursing
Malnutrition, a common problem in cancer patients, adversely affects survival and quality of life. It results from several factors that alter nutritional intake and cause massive metabolic disturbances. Anticancer therapies may compound the malnutrition. Optimal nutrition improves therapeutic modalities and the clinical course and outcome. Oral nutrition should be used whenever possible; in patients unable to ingest adequate amounts orally, enteral and parenteral feedings are safe and effective.