Nutrition
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The combination of age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) and the diagnosis of cancer (and the onset of cachexia) is likely a metabolic challenge that skeletal muscle of older cancer patients is not prepared to handle. Albeit to a smaller extent than healthy older controls, the skeletal muscle of older cancer patients is still acutely anabolic to the provision of amino acids. To provide an anabolic stimulus to skeletal muscle during a time when it is susceptible to an advanced rate of breakdown due to cancer- and tumor-related factors, enhanced intake of protein and amino acid sources might be necessary and should likely be higher than the current US recommended daily intake of 0.8 g protein/kg body weight/day. Future studies should investigate whether the acute effects of amino acids on muscle protein anabolism can be sustained over a longer period of time in the presence of cancer cachexia in older patients.
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There has been considerable interest in both clinical and preclinical research about the role of phytochemicals in the reduction of risk for cancer in humans. The aim of this study was to determine the antineoplastic effects of Chlorella pyrenoidosa in experimental breast cancer in vivo and in vitro. ⋯ This study is the first report on the antineoplastic effects of C. pyrenoidosa in experimental breast cancer in vivo and in vitro.
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To assess the energy expenditure of women with breast cancer and the effectiveness of available predictive equations (PEs) for the estimation of energy requirements in these subjects. ⋯ The REE of women with breast cancer was similar to that of healthy women. The energy requirements of these patients may be calculated based on the quick formula of 25 kcal/kg of BW. Nonetheless, this estimation should be used cautiously as it results in wide variations when used alone.
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Immunostimulation by anticancer cytotoxic drugs is needed for long-term therapeutic success. Activation of dendritic cells (DCs) is crucial to obtain effective and long-lasting anticancer T-cell mediated immunity. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of capsaicin-mediated cell death of bladder cancer cells on the activation of human monocyte-derived CD1a+ immature DCs. ⋯ Our data show that CPS-mediated cancer cell apoptosis activates DCs via CD91, suggesting CPS as an attractive candidate for cancer therapy.
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Elderly cancer patients account for a growing part of home artificial nutrition patients. Long-term enteral or parenteral nutrition in the older patient with cancer is prescribed for sequels after treatment (dysphagia, intestinal failure) or for bowel obstruction. Home artificial nutrition should benefit from a specialized follow-up. For patients out of therapy, the goal of nutritional care is to optimize quality of life and comfort.