• Increase Font Size
  • Decrease Font Size
  • View as PDF

  • Intervention
    Is there a relationship between a patient's intake of an HMB/arginine/glutamine-containing nutritional supplement and the reduction of symptoms associated with cancer cachexia?
    • Conclusion

      One (1) small, double-blinded RCT (+ quality) found that HMB/arginine/glutamine-containing nutritional supplement taken for 4 weeks improved caloric intake, promoted weight gain and FFM, and improved serum levels of prealbumin, sodium, BUN, uric acid and phosphorus. This study was limited by >20% drop out due to disease progression/death in study participants as a result of their Stage IV cancer. Further studies are needed.

    • Grade: III
      • Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
      • Grade II is Fair;
      • Grade III is Limited/Weak;
      • Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
      • Grade V is Not Assignable.
      • High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
      • Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
      • Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
      • Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
      • Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
    • Search Plan and Results: Combined Immune Enhancing Nutrients and Symptoms/Complications 2005