Abstract

Nutritional support therapy (NST) was introduced four decades ago to treat cancer patients, and since then, NST has witnessed substantial developments and made important contributions to the improvement of cancer patients’ immune system, enabling safer surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. In addition, NST has provided terminal cancer patients with opportunities to improve their quality of life. The prevention and early detection of cancer cachexia syndrome (CCS) represent one of the most important factors in the treatment of cancer patients. However, according to the 2009 ASPEN (American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition) guidelines, NST is not required for all cancer patients and can be considered for patients with moderate to severe malnutrition who are undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. TPN is recommended for patients if their food intake or absorption of nutrients is expected to be difficult for more than seven days. The palliative use of NST for terminal cancer patients is rarely indicated, and immune-enhancing enteral formulas reflecting mixtures of arginine, nucleic acids, and essential fatty acids may be beneficial for malnourished cancer patients undergoing major surgery. Clinical trials are needed to assess the impact of nutrition screening on outcomes for cancer patients. (SMN 2012;3:5-8)

• Keywords: Nutrition support, Anticancer treatment, Cancer