As cachexia is complex, it is likely that a combination of interventions is needed. Trials have investigated various combinations of interventions such as exercise, nutrition support, and drugs.
A research group led by Megan Bowers, PhD student in the Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation conducted a systematic review of 62 multi-component interventions for people with cancer cachexia.
Firstly, they explored how the multi-component interventions targeted the four key features of cachexia: (a) reduced energy intake b) altered metabolism, c) involuntary weight loss and d) decline in physical function, as well as how the interventions were tailored to individuals. They found that only 9 out of the 62 interventions targeted all four of the key features of cachexia. However, most of the interventions were at least partly tailored to individuals.
Secondly, they analysed quality of life data before and after people with cancer cachexia received the multi-component interventions. They were only able to analyse this data for 13 studies, but promisingly, the quality of life scores improved in 11 of these studies.
We recommend that future studies of interventions for people with cancer cachexia assess quality of life, as this is an important part of conducting person-centred research.
Multicomponent interventions for adults with cancer cachexia: A systematic review
Read more about research led by ARC South London’s palliative and end of life care theme based at the Cicely Saunders Institute.