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The Role of Parenteral Nutrition for Incurable Cancer: Bridging Expectations and Reality

  • Gastroenterology, Critical Care, and Lifestyle Medicine (SA McClave and M Eisa, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

In this review, we examine the role for parenteral nutrition (PN) for nutritional support of patients with advanced, incurable cancer with an emphasis on bridging the divide between expectations and reality.

Recent Findings

As the rates of cancer have continued to rise worldwide, the utility of PN has continued to be studied. Due to multiple reasons, high-quality research studies have been scarce, and much of the data is based on observational studies. The recent trend appears to support the use of PN in carefully selected patients. Importantly, the effect on quality of life also should be considered when deciding to initiate PN.

Summary

PN can be a supportive lifeline for patients with advanced, incurable cancer. The medical team should consider each patient individually to decide if PN should be offered. It is of paramount important for the medical team to engage in shared decision-making with the patient and caregiver(s) to ensure that PN is aligned with their goals and wishes.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Bradley R. Salonen, Ryan T. Hurt & Sara L. Bonnes

  2. Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA

    Manpreet S. Mundi & Ryan T. Hurt

  3. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA

    Ryan T. Hurt

  4. Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA

    Ryan T. Hurt

Authors
  1. Bradley R. Salonen
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  3. Ryan T. Hurt
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  4. Sara L. Bonnes
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Contributions

BRS wrote the draft manuscript. BRS, MSM, SLB, and RTH made substantial contributions to the concept and design of the manuscript, the interpretation of data, and the critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Bradley R. Salonen.

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Conflict of Interest

Ryan T. Hurt is a consultant for Nestle. Manpreet S. Mundi has an unrestricted investigator-initiated research grant from Fresenius Kabi, Nestle Health Science, and Real Food Blends and is a consultant for Baxter. Sara Bonnes and Bradley Salonen have no financial disclosure or conflict of interest to report.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Salonen, B.R., Mundi, M.S., Hurt, R.T. et al. The Role of Parenteral Nutrition for Incurable Cancer: Bridging Expectations and Reality. Curr Nutr Rep 10, 226–231 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-021-00361-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-021-00361-5

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