Nutritional support for cancer cachexia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Lucas Porto Santos, Bruno Gualano, Miriam López-Teros et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of nutritional support on cancer cachexia in adults, analyzing 32 randomized controlled trials. The study found that nutritional support led to modest increases in body weight (MD: 1.43 kg) and fat-free mass (MD: 1.11 kg), but did not significantly improve handgrip strength, quality of life, or appetite.
Key findings
- Nutritional support resulted in a mean increase in body weight of 1.43 kg (95% CI: 0.55-2.31 kg).
- Fat-free mass increased by a mean of 1.11 kg (95% CI: 0.16-2.05 kg) with nutritional support.
- No significant effects were observed on handgrip strength, quality of life, or appetite.
Why it matters
Understanding the limited benefits of nutritional support in cancer cachexia is crucial for clinicians managing this complex syndrome. It highlights the need for comprehensive treatment strategies beyond nutritional interventions alone.
What to keep in mind
The evidence was limited by a predominant high risk of bias across the included studies.