[The role of enteral and parenteral feeding in cancer therapy]

The role of nutrition support as an adjunct to cancer treatment is discussed. Many patients with advanced cancer have demonstrable nutritional deficits, the reason is still unclear. Anorexia, taste abnormalities, pain and obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract can lead to malnutrition. Different modes of therapy, like surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, sometimes deteriorate nutritional status. Several investigators have indicated, that nutritional support provides some benefit. There is no indication at the present time of any disadvantage of this method of treatment in relation to tumor growth. The potential indications and methods of nutritional support are pointed out.