Major considerations of nutrological therapy in cancer patients: a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Oncological malnutrition is a highly prevalent comorbidity in cancer, limiting patients' quality of life. International and national clinical guidelines recommend supportive nutrition and exercise therapy for cancer patients. Objective: It was to present the main approaches to nutritional therapy in cancer patients. Methods: The present study followed a concise systematic review model (PRISMA). The literary search process was carried out from August to October 2023 and developed based on Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar, using scientific articles from 2002 to 2023. The low quality of the evidence was attributed to case reports, editorials, and brief communications, according to the GRADE instrument. Results and Conclusion: A total of 81 studies were found that were subjected to eligibility analysis and, subsequently, 16 of the 22 final studies were selected. Most studies showed homogeneity in their results, with X² =78.4% >50%. Current dietary guidelines for cancer patients fail to address adequate dietary intake of macro- and micronutrients that can improve patients' nutritional status. Clinical studies and meta-analyses have shown that there is an important impact of a personalized and specific diet on patients during and after anti-neoplastic treatment. Most studies indicate that cancer patients should receive a nutritional assessment immediately after diagnosis. You need to maintain a healthy body weight, with a body mass index of 20–24.9, preserving your lean mass and avoiding an increase in fat mass. Therefore, after diagnosing nutritional status, a conservative energy restriction of 500-1,000 kcal/day should be considered. Nutritional therapy should be based on the patient's nutritional status, eating habits, schedule, activities, and cultural preferences. Therefore, adequate dietary consumption of dietary macro and micronutrients rich in β-carotene and vitamins A, E, and C can prevent the deterioration of nutritional status, also improving the quality of life of cancer patients.