UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective:Cachexia occurs in 8-84% in patients with carcinoma. Cachexia is predominately present in patients with gastric (84%) and pancreatic (73%) carcinoma. We aimed to assess can supplemental feeding together with pharmacologic support slow down weight loss and does a change in weight have the impact on general condition, (Karnofsky Performance status – KPS) of our patients.

Methods:During 18-month interval we examined 44 patients with pancreatic carcinoma (18-41% females, mean age 63±3.2 years and 26-59% males, mean age 69±2.4 years). Dietary intake (Nottingham Screening Tool Score), body weight (BMI), appetite, food intake and KPS were monitored at baseline and after every 2 weeks during 18-month interval. 44 (100%) of pts underwent nutritional counseling, 33 of them (75%) took supplemental enteral feeding and 44 (100%) took megestrol acetate 400 mg per day.

Results:At baseline, 44 (100%) of pts had low weight (low BMI in 32 pts – 72.7% : BMI 18-20 in 22 pts – 50%; <18 in 10 pts – 22.7%) and poor appetite. Mean KPS at baseline was 60.2%. After 6 weeks, 38 pts (86.4%) gained their weight and appetite (37-84.1%). KPS was 60.8%.

With nutritional counseling, supplemental feeding and pharmacologic support we stopped weight loss in our patients. 86.4% of pts increased their weight. 84.1% improved their appetite. Because of the side effects, 13.6% of pts stopped taking enteral supplementation. Although our pts had their weight gain, improved their appetite and QoL, KPS remained unchanged.