Pancreas Cancer-Associated Weight Loss

The oncologist

article

Andrew E. Hendifar¹  Maria Q.B. Petzel²  Teresa A. Zimmers³  Crystal S. Denlinger⁴  Lynn M. Matrisian⁵  Vincent J. Picozzi⁶  Lola Rahib⁵ 

[1] Cedars-Sinai Medical Center;MD Anderson Cancer Center;Indiana University, Simon Cancer Center;Fox Chase Cancer Center;Pancreatic Cancer Action Networ;Virginia Mason Medical Center

关键词: Pancreatic cancer;    Weight loss;    Cachexia;    Anorexia;    Malabsorption;    Supportive care;   

DOI  :  10.1634/theoncologist.2018-0266

学科分类：地质学

来源: AlphaMed Press Incorporated

【 摘 要 】

Unintentional weight loss in patients with pancreatic cancer is highly prevalent and contributes to low therapeutic tolerance, reduced quality of life, and overall mortality. Weight loss in pancreatic cancer can be due to anorexia, malabsorption, and/or cachexia. Proper supportive care can stabilize or reverse weight loss in patients and improve outcomes. We review the literature on supportive care relevant to pancreatic cancer patients, and offer evidence-based recommendations that include expert nutritional assessment, counseling, supportive measures to ensure adequate caloric intake, pancreatic enzyme supplementation, nutritional supplement replacement, orexigenic agents, and exercise. Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-supported initiatives will spearhead the dissemination and adoption of these best supportive care practices. Implications for Practice Weight loss in pancreatic cancer patients is endemic, as 85% of pancreatic cancer patients meet the classic definition of cancer cachexia. Despite its significant prevalence and associated morbidity, there is no established approach to this disease entity. It is believed that this is due to an important knowledge gap in understanding the underlying biology and lack of optimal treatment approaches. This article reviews the literature regarding pancreas cancer-associated weight loss and establishes a new framework from which to view this complex clinical problem. An improved approach and understanding will help educate clinicians, improve clinical care, and provide more clarity for future clinical investigation.

【 授权许可】

CC BY|CC BY-NC