In the course of neoplastic disease, oncologic patients are frequently malnourished as a consequence of both cytokine hyperexpression due to cancer and the surgical or medical treatment they have undergone. The presence and stage of malnutrition depend on location, type and progression of cancer and often influence survival, efficacy of medical and radiation treatment, and also postsurgery morbidity and mortality. Research and clinical experience have shown to what extent artificial nutrition is able to prevent the negative effects of malnutrition on the course and prognosis of neoplastic disease and, most of all, on therapeutic efficacy. All of the above conditions show how important it is to adequately treat patients when they are suspected to be at risk of malnutrition. As a consequence, oncologists, nutritionists, and general practitioners should realize that the major targets of nutritional interventions in neoplastic patients are (a) to prevent further complications of their nutritional status, (b) to treat malnutrition, (c) to reduce postsurgery complications and mortality, and (d) to ensure a satisfying quality of life.
Nutritional strategies in cancer patients. Oral supplementation and artificial nutrition
GUGLIELMI, Altomarino Giuseppe;
2007-01-01
Abstract
In the course of neoplastic disease, oncologic patients are frequently malnourished as a consequence of both cytokine hyperexpression due to cancer and the surgical or medical treatment they have undergone. The presence and stage of malnutrition depend on location, type and progression of cancer and often influence survival, efficacy of medical and radiation treatment, and also postsurgery morbidity and mortality. Research and clinical experience have shown to what extent artificial nutrition is able to prevent the negative effects of malnutrition on the course and prognosis of neoplastic disease and, most of all, on therapeutic efficacy. All of the above conditions show how important it is to adequately treat patients when they are suspected to be at risk of malnutrition. As a consequence, oncologists, nutritionists, and general practitioners should realize that the major targets of nutritional interventions in neoplastic patients are (a) to prevent further complications of their nutritional status, (b) to treat malnutrition, (c) to reduce postsurgery complications and mortality, and (d) to ensure a satisfying quality of life.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.