Parenteral nutrition in advanced cancer patients

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a medical treatment aimed at providing intravenous nutrients in patients in whom gastrointestinal function is partially or totally impaired. An obvious indication of PN in advanced cancer patients is the prevention and/or treatment of malnutrition in hypo-aphagic patients with intestinal failure due to the disease itself or the consequences of antineoplastic treatments. However, PN may also improve compliance with palliative radio/chemotherapy, reduce its side effects, enhance quality of life and prolong survival. A careful evaluation of patients’ clinical conditions and families’ expectations is mandatory before the decision to initiate PN in ACPs is taken, in order to avoid administration of an inappropriate or even life-threatening medical treatment. Current available evidence indicates that patients expected to die earlier from the underlying tumour rather than from starvation gather no benefit from intravenous nutritional support. Although it is likely that intravenous nutrients provided to feed the patients are also utilized by cancer cells, at present there is no evidence that this translates into a clinically relevant harm to the patient. Fear of tumour growth stimulation must not be a reason for not considering parenteral nutrition in advanced cancer patients. The risk of septic, metabolic and mechanical complications has to be considered when PN support is prescribed, although a specialized and well trained medical and nursing staff may dramatically reduce complication rate. Decisions regarding treatment initiation and its possible withdrawal should be made based on the best available evidence and non on cultural and personal attitudes.