Nutrition in Pancreatic Cancer: A Review

Abstract

Background: Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality in both genders. More than 80% of patients suffer from significant weight loss at diagnosis and over time develop severe cachexia. Early nutritional support is therefore essential. Summary: This review evaluates the different nutritional therapies, such as enteral nutrition, parenteral nutrition and special nutritional supplements, on nutritional status, quality of life and survival. Key Message: Due to the high prevalence of malnutrition and the rapid development of anorexia-cachexia-syndrome, early nutritional intervention is crucial and supported by clinical data. Practical Implications: Enteral nutrition should be preferred over parenteral nutrition. Omega-3 fatty acids and <smlcap>L</smlcap>-carnitine are promising substances for the prevention of severe cachexia, but further randomized controlled trials are needed to establish generally accepted guidelines on nutrition in pancreatic cancer.

Nutritional and Metabolic Derangements in Pancreatic Cancer and Pancreatic Resection

“…Studies have shown that many pancreatic cancer patients suffer from malnutrition due to physiologically-induced anorexia, malabsorption, and increased caloric requirements, resulting in weight loss. Over 80% of pancreatic cancer patients report weight loss at the time of diagnosis and over a third of these patients have lost greater than 10% of their initial body weight [4,5,6,7,8]. Many of these patients then experience cachexia, a severe condition involving pathological weight loss due to the wasting of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue [9].…”

“…Many of these patients then experience cachexia, a severe condition involving pathological weight loss due to the wasting of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue [9]. Ultimately, pancreatic cancer patients with malnutrition or cachexia experience a lower quality of life, increased morbidity and mortality, longer hospital stays, and a reduced response to treatment [8,10,11,12]. …”

Association between early nutritional risk and overall survival in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer: A single-center retrospective study

“…The 5-year survival rate is 8%, with a median survival of 5 months [2,3]. Malnutrition characterized by weight loss, and the rapid development of anorexia-cachexia-syndrome is common among patients with advanced PC [4]. Unexplained weight loss may occur as a result of anorexia or malabsorption due to pancreatic exocrine insufficiency [5].…”

Cáncer del tracto digestivo: asociación entre el estado nutricional y la capacidad funcional

“…Aunque el soporte nutricional contribuye a normalizar el estado nutricional, mejorar la funcionalidad y la calidad de vida, no debe olvidarse el enfoque terapéutico de aquellos pacientes que se encuentren en estadios tempranos y localmente avanzados con potencial curativo; en tanto, aquellos en estadios avanzados o metastásicos serán de control de síntomas, mejora de la calidad de vida y aumento en la supervivencia global [32][33][34] . Finalmente, es necesario que en nuestros centros contemos con herramientas de valoración nutricional que nos permitan la identificación oportuna de los pacientes en riesgo de desnutrición o con desnutrición; así mismo, de una escala de valoración del estado funcional y de calidad de vida, ya que resulta indispensable desde el punto de vista terapéutico de acuerdo con los objetivos del mismo.…”