Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
08:55
The Colon-26 Carcinoma Tumor-bearing Mouse as a Model for the Study of Cancer Cachexia
Published on: November 30, 2016
Providing nutritional support for patients with cancer cachexia
Elizabeth McCreery1, John Costello
1Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Manchester, UK.
International Journal of Palliative Nursing
|January 29, 2013
Summary
Cancer cachexia, a severe condition causing weight loss and poor quality of life, affects many advanced cancer patients. Effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach focusing on nutritional and social support.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Clinical Nutrition
- Palliative Care
Background:
- Malnutrition is a common secondary diagnosis in advanced cancer, affecting up to 85% of patients.
- Cancer cachexia, characterized by anorexia and weight loss, significantly impacts quality of life and survival.
- Healthcare professionals often lack understanding and effective strategies for managing cancer cachexia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the quality of life for advanced cancer patients experiencing cachexia.
- To review the etiology, management, and treatment strategies for cancer cachexia.
- To highlight the benefits of the Macmillan approach for weight and eating in cachexia management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on cancer cachexia, quality of life, and nutritional support.
- Analysis of current treatment methods and management strategies.
- Emphasis on the Macmillan approach's focus on social aspects of eating and weight gain.
Main Results:
- Cancer cachexia presents significant challenges in nutritional support for end-of-life patients.
- A multidisciplinary team approach is crucial for comprehensive cachexia management.
- The Macmillan approach offers a valuable framework by addressing social factors in eating and weight.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of cancer cachexia requires a holistic approach beyond basic dietary needs.
- Understanding and addressing the psychosocial aspects of eating is vital for improving patient and carer well-being.
- Further research and education are needed to improve healthcare professionals' ability to manage cancer cachexia.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
01:15Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding
Enteral nutrition encompasses various methods of delivering nutrition directly to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, bypassing traditional oral intake. It is particularly beneficial for patients who cannot eat by mouth but have a functioning digestive system. Key methods include nasointestinal feeding, gastrostomy, and jejunostomy, each suited to different clinical scenarios based on the patient's needs and condition.
Nasointestinal Feeding
Nasointestinal feeding involves placing a tube through...
Nasointestinal Feeding
Nasointestinal feeding involves placing a tube through...
01:27Nursing Ethical Principles II
Ethical principles are essential in guiding nurses to fulfill their responsibilities, focusing on the quality of nursing care and decision-making. These principles, including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and fidelity, shape the ethical framework within healthcare settings.
Consider the following scenario, which illustrates how these principles are applied in the care of Mr. John, a fifty-year-old teacher diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer.
Initially, Mr. John's cancer...
Consider the following scenario, which illustrates how these principles are applied in the care of Mr. John, a fifty-year-old teacher diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer.
Initially, Mr. John's cancer...
02:49Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
01:21Cancer Survival Analysis
Cancer survival analysis focuses on quantifying and interpreting the time from a key starting point, such as diagnosis or the initiation of treatment, to a specific endpoint, such as remission or death. This analysis provides critical insights into treatment effectiveness and factors that influence patient outcomes, helping to shape clinical decisions and guide prognostic evaluations. A cornerstone of oncology research, survival analysis tackles the challenges of skewed, non-normally...
01:27Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
Parenteral Nutrition (PN) delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. It is commonly used for individuals with severe digestive disorders or conditions that prevent normal nutrient absorption.
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...