Loss of appetite in patients with cancer: an update on characterization, mechanisms, and palliative therapeutics

Haemmerle, Robert; Jatoi, Aminah

doi:10.1097/spc.0000000000000669

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…Up to 87% of cancer patients with TDs experience a loss of appetite [54] which is widely known to be associated with poor prognosis [55]. However, patients who consumed the standard dose of DMB did not exhibit a loss of appetite at the end of the study.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Efficacy and Safety of Habitual Consumption of a Food Supplement Containing Miraculin in Malnourished Cancer Patients: the CLINMIR Pilot Study

López-Plaza,

Álvarez-Mercado,

Arcos-Castellanos

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Taste disorders (TDs) are common among systemically treated cancer patients and negatively impact their nutritional status and quality of life. A food supplement containing the natural taste-modifying protein miraculin (DMB®) has emerged as a possible alternative treatment for TDs. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of habitual DMB consumption in malnourished cancer patients undergoing active treatment. An exploratory clinical trial was carried out in which 31 cancer patients were randomized into three arms [standard dose of DMB (150 mg DMB/tablet), high dose of DMB (300 mg DMB/tablet) or placebo (300 mg freeze-dried strawberry)] for three months. Patients consumed an intervention DMB tablet or placebo before each main meal. Throughout the five main visits, electrochemical taste perception, nutritional status, dietary intake, quality of life and the fatty acid profile of erythrocytes were evaluated. Patients consuming a standard dose of DMB exhibited improved taste acuity over time (% change right/left side: ‒52.8 ± 38.5 / ‒58.7 ± 69.2%) and salty taste perception (2.29 ± 1.25 vs. high dose: 2.17 ± 1.84 vs. placebo: 1.57 ± 1.51 points, p < 0.05). They also had higher energy intake (p = 0.075) and covered better energy expenditure (107 ± 19%). The quality of life evaluated by symptom scales improved in patients receiving the standard dose of DMB (constipation, p = 0.048). The levels of arachidonic (13.1 ± 1.8; 14.0 ± 2.8, 12.0 ± 2.0%; p = 0.004) and docosahexaenoic (4.4 ± 1.7; 4.1 ± 1.0; 3.9 ± 1.6%; p = 0.014) acids in erythrocytes increased over time after DMB intake. The standard dose of DMB increased fat‒free mass vs. placebo (47.4 ± 9.3 vs. 44.1 ± 4.7 kg, p = 0.007). Importantly, habitual patients with DMB did not experience any adverse events, and metabolic parameters remained stable and within normal ranges. In conclusion, habitual consumption of a standard 150 mg dose of DMB improves electro-chemical food perception, nutritional status (energy intake, fat quantity and quality, fat-free mass) and quality of life in malnourished cancer patients receiving antineoplastic treatment. Additionally, DMB consumption appears to be safe, with no changes in major biochemical parameters associated with health status. The clinical trial was registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05486260).

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Efficacy and Safety of Habitual Consumption of a Food Supplement Containing Miraculin in Malnourished Cancer Patients: the CLINMIR Pilot Study

López-Plaza,

Álvarez-Mercado,

Arcos-Castellanos

et al. 2024

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Up to 87% of cancer patients with TDs experience a loss of appetite [ 52 ] which is widely known to be associated with poor prognosis [ 53 ]. However, patients who consumed the standard dose of DMB did not exhibit a loss of appetite at the end of the study.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Efficacy and Safety of Habitual Consumption of a Food Supplement Containing Miraculin in Malnourished Cancer Patients: The CLINMIR Pilot Study

López-Plaza,

Álvarez-Mercado,

Arcos-Castellanos

et al. 2024

Nutrients

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Taste disorders (TDs) are common among systemically treated cancer patients and negatively impact their nutritional status and quality of life. The novel food approved by the European Commission (EFSA), dried miracle berries (DMB), contains the natural taste-modifying protein miraculin. DMB, also available as a supplement, has emerged as a possible alternative treatment for TDs. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of habitual DMB consumption in malnourished cancer patients undergoing active treatment. An exploratory clinical trial was carried out in which 31 cancer patients were randomized into three arms [standard dose of DMB (150 mg DMB/tablet), high dose of DMB (300 mg DMB/tablet) or placebo (300 mg freeze-dried strawberry)] for three months. Patients consumed a DMB tablet or placebo daily before each main meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Throughout the five main visits, electrochemical taste perception, nutritional status, dietary intake, quality of life and the fatty acid profile of erythrocytes were evaluated. Patients consuming a standard dose of DMB exhibited improved taste acuity over time (% change right/left side: −52.8 ± 38.5/−58.7 ± 69.2%) and salty taste perception (2.29 ± 1.25 vs. high dose: 2.17 ± 1.84 vs. placebo: 1.57 ± 1.51 points, p < 0.05). They also had higher energy intake (p = 0.075) and covered better energy expenditure (107 ± 19%). The quality of life evaluated by symptom scales improved in patients receiving the standard dose of DMB (constipation, p = 0.048). The levels of arachidonic (13.1 ± 1.8; 14.0 ± 2.8, 12.0 ± 2.0%; p = 0.004) and docosahexaenoic (4.4 ± 1.7; 4.1 ± 1.0; 3.9 ± 1.6%; p = 0.014) acids in erythrocytes increased over time after DMB intake. The standard dose of DMB increased fat-free mass vs. placebo (47.4 ± 9.3 vs. 44.1 ± 4.7 kg, p = 0.007). Importantly, habitual patients with DMB did not experience any adverse events, and metabolic parameters remained stable and within normal ranges. In conclusion, habitual consumption of a standard 150 mg dose of DMB improves electrochemical food perception, nutritional status (energy intake, fat quantity and quality, fat-free mass), and quality of life in malnourished cancer patients receiving antineoplastic treatment. Additionally, DMB consumption appears to be safe, with no changes in major biochemical parameters associated with health status. Clinical trial registered (NCT05486260).

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“…33 Although some health care providers might continue to suggest cannabis for appetite stimulation, other agents, such as those mentioned above, might be preferable. 34…”

Section: Have Advanced Cancer I'm Not Hungry and I'm Losing Weight Wh...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation, Weight Gain, and Poor Appetite in Patients With Cancer: Many Questions and Fewer Answers

Haemmerle,

Jatoi

2024

JCO Oncol Pract

Self Cite

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Patients with cancer or with a history of cancer often seek nutritional advice. In turn, cancer health care providers are often asked questions related to nutrition and cancer. Should I take high-dose vitamins or other high-dose supplements? Should I take a regular-dose vitamin or other regular-dose nutritional supplements? Will I experience weight loss during postoperative chemotherapy? What should be my weight goals during and after adjuvant therapy? In the setting of advanced cancer, what should I do to keep my appetite and weight up? This review attempts to provide data-driven answers to some of these commonly posed questions.

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Loss of appetite in patients with cancer: an update on characterization, mechanisms, and palliative therapeutics

Cited by 3 publications

References 18 publications

Efficacy and Safety of Habitual Consumption of a Food Supplement Containing Miraculin in Malnourished Cancer Patients: the CLINMIR Pilot Study

Efficacy and Safety of Habitual Consumption of a Food Supplement Containing Miraculin in Malnourished Cancer Patients: the CLINMIR Pilot Study

Efficacy and Safety of Habitual Consumption of a Food Supplement Containing Miraculin in Malnourished Cancer Patients: The CLINMIR Pilot Study

Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation, Weight Gain, and Poor Appetite in Patients With Cancer: Many Questions and Fewer Answers

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