How Can Targeted Nutrition Therapy Enhance Cancer Care for Patients with Cancer Cachexia?
- Shail Priya
- Feb 13
- 3 min read
Introduction
Navigating the complexities of cancer treatment involves more than just addressing the tumor; it also requires managing the debilitating side effects that significantly impact quality of life. Cancer cachexia, a profound weight loss condition characterized by muscle mass and fat depletion, is one such side effect that can severely affect patient outcomes. This comprehensive guide explores the critical role of cancer nutrition therapy in combating cachexia, offering vital strategies to support patients through their treatment journey.
Understanding Cancer Cachexia
Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome that not only alters physical appearance and reduces functional capacity but also complicates the management of cancer treatment due to its profound impact on a patient's strength and vitality. Key symptoms of cachexia include severe weight loss, muscle atrophy, fatigue, and a diminished quality of life, making nutritional interventions essential.
Symptoms of cancer cachexia
The most significant symptom of cancer cachexia is losing more than 10% of your total body weight, including muscle mass and fat, over the past six to 12 months. Other symptoms may include:
• Fatigue and weakness: Cancer cachexia can make you feel like you don’t have the strength to work, take care of your family or take care of yourself.
• Muscle loss: Healthcare providers calls this muscle wasting or muscle atrophy.
• Anorexia: In anorexia, you don’t feel hungry and lose interest in eating at all. Anorexia in cancer cachexia is different from the eating disorder Anorexia Nervosa.
• Anemia: You may develop anemia because your body reacts to inflammation by releasing a protein that affects red blood cell production.
• Frequent infections: Cancer cachexia may affect your immune system so your body can’t fight off infections.
Stages of cancer cachexia
There are three cancer cachexia stages:
Pre-cachexia: In this stage, you’re losing weight even though you’re
eating well. Your weight loss over the past six to 12 months is less than 5% of your overall weight. If you have Obesity your weight loss may not be as noticeable, but tests show metabolic changes that indicate you’re losing muscle along with fat.
Cachexia: You’ve lost more than 5% of your body weight in the past six to 12 months, or you’ve lost more than 2% of your body weight and your body mass index (BMI) is less than 20kg/m. Tests may show signs of muscle loss and inflammation.
Refractory cachexia: You’ve lost more than 20% of your usual weight and your BMI is less than 27 kg/m. Your weight loss causes a drastic change in your appearance and you may not be strong enough for cancer treatment. In some cases, cancer treatment stops working.
The Role of Medical Nutrition Therapy
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) plays a pivotal role in the holistic treatment of cancer patients. By tailoring dietary strategies to individual needs, MNT aims to stabilize weight, preserve muscle mass, and improve overall energy levels, thereby enhancing the efficacy of cancer treatments and aiding recovery.
Nutritional Strategies for Managing Cachexia:
High-Protein, High-Calorie Diets: Frequent, nutrient-dense meals enriched with proteins and calories are crucial to counteract muscle loss and energy depletion.
Supplementation: Nutritional supplements can help fulfill the daily requirements of essential nutrients, compensating for dietary inadequacies.
Exercise: Light physical activity, as advised by healthcare professionals, can help mitigate muscle wasting and promote physical well-being.
Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Incorporating Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), a key omega-3 fatty acid, is shown to significantly modulate inflammatory responses associated with cachexia. EPA supplementation can curb the production of inflammatory cytokines and reduce the activity of proteolysis-inducing factors, thus aiding in muscle retention and overall body strength.
Role of Supportive Oncology
Supportive oncology integrates MNT with conventional cancer treatments, addressing the diverse symptoms experienced during cancer or chemotherapy. This collaborative approach ensures that each patient’s nutritional, physical, and emotional needs are met, optimizing the treatment landscape and patient resilience.
When to Consult a Palliative Physician
Consultation with a palliative care physician is advised when cancer-associated symptoms significantly hinder daily activities and quality of life. These specialists work in tandem with oncologists and dietitians to deliver comprehensive care that extends beyond symptom management to include supportive emotional and spiritual engagement. The integration of tailored nutritional interventions in cancer treatment plans underscores the importance of onco-diet in supporting patient recovery and quality of life. At OPSAN, we have a specialised palliative physician and an Onco-dietitian. The combination of both the doctors provides effective management of cancer cachexia and empowers patients in their fight against cancer.
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