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Mäkitie AA, Alabi RO, Orell H, Youssef O, Almangush A, Homma A, Takes RP, López F, de Bree R, Rodrigo JP, Ferlito A. Managing Cachexia in Head and Neck Cancer: a Systematic Scoping Review. Adv Ther 2022; 39:1502-1523. [PMID: 35224702 PMCID: PMC8989808 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-022-02074-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are usually confronted with functional changes due to the malignancy itself or its treatment. These factors typically affect important structures involved in speech, breathing, chewing, swallowing, and saliva production. Consequently, the intake of food will be limited, which further contributes to loss of body weight and muscle mass, anorexia, malnutrition, fatigue, and anemia. This multifactorial condition can ultimately lead to cancer cachexia syndrome. This study aims to examine the treatment of cachexia in HNC patients. METHODS We systematically searched OvidMedline, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles examining the treatment of cachexia in HNC. RESULTS A total of nine studies were found, and these suggested interventions including nutritional, pharmacologic, therapeutic exercise, and multimodal approaches. The nutritional intervention includes essential components such as dietary counseling, oral nutritional supplements, and medical nutritional support. Individualized nutritional interventions include oral, enteral (feeding tubes i.e., percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy [PEG], nasogastric tube [NGT]) and parenteral nutrition. The pharmacologic interventions aim at increasing the appetite and weight of cachectic patients. Therapeutic exercise and increased physical activity can help to enhance the synthesis of muscle protein, reducing inflammation and the catabolic effects of cachexia syndrome. CONCLUSION Owing to the multifactorial nature of this syndrome, it is expected that the management approach should be multi-interventional. Early implementation of these interventions may help to improve survival and quality of health and life of cachectic HNC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antti A Mäkitie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, P.O. Box 263, 00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland.
- Faculty of Medicine, Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- Division of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Rasheed Omobolaji Alabi
- Faculty of Medicine, Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Industrial Digitalization, School of Technology and Innovations, University of Vaasa, Vaasa, Finland
| | - Helena Orell
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Internal Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Omar Youssef
- Faculty of Medicine, Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Alhadi Almangush
- Faculty of Medicine, Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Institute of Biomedicine, Pathology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Akihiro Homma
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Robert P Takes
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Fernando López
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, University of Oviedo, ISPA, IUOPA, CIBERONC, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Remco de Bree
- Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Juan P Rodrigo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, University of Oviedo, ISPA, IUOPA, CIBERONC, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Alfio Ferlito
- Coordinator of the International Head and Neck Scientific Group, Padua, Italy
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Kalfeist L, Galland L, Ledys F, Ghiringhelli F, Limagne E, Ladoire S. Impact of Glucocorticoid Use in Oncology in the Immunotherapy Era. Cells 2022; 11:770. [PMID: 35269392 PMCID: PMC8909189 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Thanks to their anti-inflammatory, anti-oedema, and anti-allergy properties, glucocorticoids are among the most widely prescribed drugs in patients with cancer. The indications for glucocorticoid use are very wide and varied in the context of cancer and include the symptomatic management of cancer-related symptoms (compression, pain, oedema, altered general state) but also prevention or treatment of common side effects of anti-cancer therapies (nausea, allergies, etc.) or immune-related adverse events (irAE). In this review, we first give an overview of the different clinical situations where glucocorticoids are used in oncology. Next, we describe the current state of knowledge regarding the effects of these molecules on immune response, in particular anti-tumour response, and we summarize available data evaluating how these effects may interfere with the efficacy of immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kalfeist
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges-Francois Leclerc Center, 21000 Dijon, France; (L.K.); (L.G.); (F.L.); (F.G.); (E.L.)
- UMR INSERM 1231 “Lipides Nutrition Cancer”, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Loïck Galland
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges-Francois Leclerc Center, 21000 Dijon, France; (L.K.); (L.G.); (F.L.); (F.G.); (E.L.)
- UMR INSERM 1231 “Lipides Nutrition Cancer”, 21000 Dijon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges-François Leclerc Center, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Fanny Ledys
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges-Francois Leclerc Center, 21000 Dijon, France; (L.K.); (L.G.); (F.L.); (F.G.); (E.L.)
- UMR INSERM 1231 “Lipides Nutrition Cancer”, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - François Ghiringhelli
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges-Francois Leclerc Center, 21000 Dijon, France; (L.K.); (L.G.); (F.L.); (F.G.); (E.L.)
- UMR INSERM 1231 “Lipides Nutrition Cancer”, 21000 Dijon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges-François Leclerc Center, 21000 Dijon, France
- School of Medicine, University of Burgundy Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Emeric Limagne
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges-Francois Leclerc Center, 21000 Dijon, France; (L.K.); (L.G.); (F.L.); (F.G.); (E.L.)
- UMR INSERM 1231 “Lipides Nutrition Cancer”, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Sylvain Ladoire
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, Georges-Francois Leclerc Center, 21000 Dijon, France; (L.K.); (L.G.); (F.L.); (F.G.); (E.L.)
- UMR INSERM 1231 “Lipides Nutrition Cancer”, 21000 Dijon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges-François Leclerc Center, 21000 Dijon, France
- School of Medicine, University of Burgundy Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France
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Muthanandam S, Muthu J. Understanding Cachexia in Head and Neck Cancer. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2021; 8:527-538. [PMID: 34527782 PMCID: PMC8420913 DOI: 10.4103/apjon.apjon-2145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the major comorbidities of cancer and cancer therapy is posing a global health problem in cancer cachexia. Cancer cachexia is now considered a multifactorial syndrome that presents with drastic loss of body weight, anorexia, asthenia, and anemia. Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients are at a greater risk for development and severity of cachexia syndrome as there is direct involvement of structures associated with nutritional intake. Yet, the scientific evidence, approach, and management of cachexia in HNCs are yet to be largely explored. The article aims to succinctly review the concepts of cancer cachexia with relevance to HNCs and summarizes the current findings from recent research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivaramakrishnan Muthanandam
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Oral Microbiology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Puducherry, India
| | - Jananni Muthu
- Department of Periodontology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Puducherry, India
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Peng M, Yang S, Li G, Zhang T, Qin X, Shi C, Chang J, Chen M, Chen C, Li B, Cao S, Li T, Chen R, Bakhshi P, Jin M, Wu G, Hu J. Solid Tumor Complicated With Venous Thromboembolism: A 10-Year Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost 2021; 27:1076029620975484. [PMID: 33591842 PMCID: PMC7894580 DOI: 10.1177/1076029620975484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs more frequently in cancer patients than in the general population. A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out in patients with solid tumor complicated with VTE admitted to the Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology between January 1st, 2008 and December 31th, 2017. The incidence of VTE in hospitalized cancer patients was 1.8%, twice the incidence of VTE in hospitalized non-cancer patients. The annual incidence of cancer-associated VTE in our center varied between 1.6% in 2015 and 0.4% in 2009 with an overall average incidence of 1.3% over the research decade. BMI values of 549(67.7%) cancer patients were within the normal range, but none of patients had BMI greater than 35 kg/m2. 747(92.1%) cancer patients had ECOG PS score ≤ 2 and 481(59.3%) had distant metastasis. Patients with pancreatic, bladder, ovarian and endometrial cancer had the highest incidence of VTE. Upper extremity DVT (47.2%) was more common in cancer patients and might be closely associated with CVC (74.9%), while lower extremities DVT (36.1%) intended to PE development (15.0%). The annual incidence rates showed a fluctuating and upward trend over the research decade. VTE occurrence was closely related to tumor stage, tumor site, catheterization and anti-neoplasm therapy in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Peng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,First Clinical School, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shengli Yang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guiling Li
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaojuan Qin
- Department of Ultrasound, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Chang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengni Chen
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bingjie Li
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sihang Cao
- First Clinical School, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ting Li
- First Clinical School, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Renwang Chen
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Prapti Bakhshi
- First Clinical School, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Jin
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gang Wu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianli Hu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Kang HJ, Jeong MK, Park SJ, Jun HJ, Yoo HS. Efficacy and safety of Yukgunja-Tang for treating anorexia in patients with cancer: The protocol for a pilot, randomized, controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e16950. [PMID: 31577697 PMCID: PMC6783206 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000016950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anorexia is a common cause of malnutrition and is associated with negative effects on the quality of life (QOL) for patients with cancer. Management of appetite is the key to improving both the QOL and the prognosis for such patients. Yukgunja-tang (YGJT) is a traditional herbal medicine extensively prescribed in Korea as a remedy for various gastrointestinal syndromes. Currently, no standardized herbal medicine treatment exists for patients with cancer who are suffering from anorexia after surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy. For that reason, this study aims to examine the efficacy and the safety of using YGJT to treat anorexia in such patients and to establish whether or not YGJT can be recommended as the primary therapy. METHODS We will enroll 52 cancer patients diagnosed with anorexia. The enrolled participants will be randomly allocated to 2 groups: The control group will receive nutrition counseling, and the YGJT group will receive nutrition counseling and be administered YGJT at a dose of 3 g twice a day for 4 weeks (a total of 56 doses of 3.0 g per dose). The primary outcome of this study is the change in the score on the anorexia/cachexia subscale (A/CS) of the Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Therapy (FAACT). The secondary outcomes are the changes in the FAACT score with the A/CS score excluded, the score on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for appetite, the weight and the body mass index (BMI), and laboratory tests for compounds such as leptin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), ghrelin, and IL-6. All variables related to the safety assessment, such as vital signs, electrocardiography results, laboratory test results (CBC, chemistry, urine test), and adverse events, will be documented on the case report form (CRF) at every visit. CONCLUSION This study is the first randomized controlled trial to investigate the efficacy and the safety of using YGJT for treating patients with cancer-related anorexia in Korea. We designed this study based on previous research about YGJT. This study will serve as a pilot and provide data for planning further clinical trials on herbal medicine and cancer-related anorexia. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS), Republic of Korea, ID: KCT0002847. Registered retrospectively on 3 April 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwi-Joong Kang
- East-West Cancer Center, Dunsan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University
| | - Mi-Kyung Jeong
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - So-Jung Park
- East-West Cancer Center, Dunsan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University
| | - Hyeong-Joon Jun
- East-West Cancer Center, Dunsan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University
| | - Hwa-Seung Yoo
- East-West Cancer Center, Dunsan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University
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Couch ME, Dittus K, Toth MJ, Willis MS, Guttridge DC, George JR, Chang EY, Gourin CG, Der-Torossian H. Cancer cachexia update in head and neck cancer: Pathophysiology and treatment. Head Neck 2015; 37:1057-72. [PMID: 24634283 DOI: 10.1002/hed.23696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of cancer cachexia remains complex. A comprehensive literature search was performed up to April 2013 using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and the Google search engine. In this review, we focus on the different mediators of impaired anabolism and upregulated catabolism that alter the skeletal muscle homeostasis resulting in the wasting of cancer cachexia. We present recent evidence of targeted treatment modalities from clinical trials along with their potential mechanisms of action. We also report on the most current evidence from randomized clinical trials using multimodal treatments in patients with cancer cachexia, but also the evidence from head and neck cancer-specific trials. A more complete understanding of the pathophysiology of the syndrome may lead to more effective targeted therapies and improved outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion E Couch
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont, College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Kim Dittus
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont, College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Michael J Toth
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont, College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Monte S Willis
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Denis C Guttridge
- Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology, and Medical Genetics, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jonathan R George
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Eric Y Chang
- University of Vermont, College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Christine G Gourin
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hirak Der-Torossian
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont, College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
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Nutrition chez le patient adulte atteint de cancer : orexigènes et autres médicaments anticachectisants. NUTR CLIN METAB 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nupar.2012.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Couch M, Lai V, Cannon T, Guttridge D, Zanation A, George J, Hayes DN, Zeisel S, Shores C. Cancer cachexia syndrome in head and neck cancer patients: part I. Diagnosis, impact on quality of life and survival, and treatment. Head Neck 2007; 29:401-11. [PMID: 17285641 DOI: 10.1002/hed.20447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer cachexia is a debilitating, wasting condition that affects many cancer patients, including those with head and neck cancer. The overall incidence of cancer cachexia is quite high for some types of cancer, and cachexia will be the main cause of death for more than 20% of all cancer patients. This syndrome uniquely challenges patients with head and neck cancer. This article outlines the diagnosis of cancer cachexia, reviews its impact on patient quality of life (QOL) and survival, and updates the reader on potential therapies that may suppress it. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed of the National Library of Medicine, which includes more than 15 million citations back to the 1950s. The Cochrane Library and Google search engine were used as well. RESULTS This syndrome differs significantly from starvation, and thus accurate and timely diagnosis is essential. Nutritional therapy alone is insufficient. Current management strategies include corticosteroids and megesterol acetate, in conjunction with nutritional therapy. Future strategies may include nutraceuticals, omega-3 fatty acids, inflammatory antagonists, and other targeted treatments. CONCLUSIONS Because cancer cachexia differs significantly from starvation, nutritional supplementation must be used in conjunction with other anti-cachexia agents to reverse the chronic systemic inflammatory state and the effects of circulating tumor-derived factors seen in cachexia. Careful identification of patients at risk and those suffering from this syndrome will lead to better outcomes and treatments. Ultimately, more research is needed to better treat this devastating condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Couch
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, G0412 Neurosciences Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7070, USA.
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Dahlin C, Lynch M, Szmuilowicz E, Jackson V. Management of Symptoms Other than Pain. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 24:39-60, viii. [PMID: 16487895 DOI: 10.1016/j.atc.2005.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Symptom management requires an understanding of the likely cause of the symptom in the individual patient, comprehensive assessment, and evidence-based interventions. This article explores the management strategies for common symptoms encountered in palliative care practice. Stomatitis, xerostomia, dysphagia, nausea and vomiting, anorexia, constipation, dyspnea, and fatigue are among the symptoms reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance Dahlin
- Palliative Care Service, Founders 604, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114-2696, USA.
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Abstract
Malnutrition from anorexia and reduced nutrient intake is common in patients with cancer. Abnormalities in gastrointestinal function caused by the tumor or treatment of the tumor may be direct causes for nutrition challenges. However, other patients may present with cancer cachexia, a wasting syndrome characterized by weight loss, anorexia, early satiety, progressive debilitation, and malnutrition that results in a greater risk of organ dysfunction and death. Changes in host metabolism and energy expenditure are thought to contribute to the development of cachexia, although this relationship is not clear. There is evidence that the etiology of these metabolic changes may be mediated by a neurohormonal response stimulated by the tumor. Because a single cause for these metabolic abnormalities has not been identified, several approaches to treatment of cancer cachexia have been reported. After correction of any underlying gastrointestinal abnormalities, single nutrients or other pharmacologic agents have been used in an attempt to favorably affect appetite or counter metabolic abnormalities that cause inefficient nutrient use. A variety of agents have been studied for their positive effects on appetite, including progestational agents, glucocorticoids, cannabinoids, cyproheptadine, olanzapine, and mirtazapine. Other agents have been investigated for their anti-inflammatory properties, including thalidomide, pentoxyphylline, melatonin, and omega-3 fatty acids. Anabolic agents such as testosterone derivatives have been investigated as well. The decision to treat symptoms of cancer cachexia should be based on the patient's desires and current medical condition. Choice of the most appropriate agent to treat unintentional weight loss in patients with cancer should include consideration of effects on appetite, weight, quality of life, and risk of adverse effects according to current evidence-based medicine, and cost and availability of the agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd W Mattox
- Nutrition Support Team, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, USA.
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Abstract
In patients with gastrointestinal malignancies, i.e. cancers of the stomach, colon, liver, biliary tract or pancreas, progressive undernutrition can be regularly observed during the course of illness. Undernutrition significantly affects the patients' quality of life, morbidity and survival. Pathogenetically, two different causes are relevant in the development of undernutrition in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. One cause is reduced nutritional intake. This condition is referred to as anorexia and can be worsened by the side effects of cancer therapy. The other cause is the release of endogenous transmitters and/or other products of the tumour leading to the cachexia syndrome, which is characterized by loss of body weight, negative nitrogen balance and fatigue. Cancer anorexia and cancer cachexia may have synergistic negative effects in affecting the patients' status. In this review, current nutritional support strategies with respect to different clinically relevant situations are described. An algorithm of the treatment strategies, including dietetic counselling, oral supplements, enteral and parenteral nutritional support is given. One focus is the approach of nutrition-focused patient care, which shows promising results. In addition, the possibilities of pharmacological intervention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ockenga
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Davis MP, Dreicer R, Walsh D, Lagman R, LeGrand SB. Appetite and Cancer-Associated Anorexia: A Review. J Clin Oncol 2004; 22:1510-7. [PMID: 15084624 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2004.03.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Appetite is governed by peripheral hormones and central neurotransmitters that act on the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus and nucleus tactus solitarius of the brainstem. Cancer anorexia appears to be the result of an imbalance between neuropeptide-Y and pro-opiomelanocortin signals favoring pro-opiomelanocortin. Many of the appetite stimulants redress this imbalance. Most of our understanding of appetite neurophysiology and tumor-associated anorexia is derived from animals and has not been verified in humans. There have been few clinical trials and very little translational research on anorexia despite its prevalence in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mellar P Davis
- Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine, Department of Hematology/Medical Oncology, FCCP, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, R35, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
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