This week's artwork was donated by Lonny, a pediatric cancer patient who received treatment at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia . The important role of nutritional status in the outcome of cancer has been recognized for many years. Malnutrition and cachexia are frequent manifestations of cancer and are major contributors to morbidity and mortality from the disease. Weight loss often is a presenting symptom of cancer or frequently develops during the course of the disease.
Weight loss is an independent factor affecting morbidity and mortality in pts with tumors.
The prevalence of malnutrition in pts with cancer varies with the type of tumor, stage of the disease, the response to therapy, and the definition of malnutrition. Recent developments in nutritional support modalities, particularly enteral and parenteral nutrition, make it possible to nourish almost any cancer pt, both in the hospital and at home. No pt needs to be subjected to the ravages of malnutrition due to inadequate intake. In selected groups of pts, aggressive nutritional support clearly is beneficial. However, the impact of nutritional therapy on the ultimate outcome in many pts with cancer is still under scrutiny.