• Intervention
    Is there a relationship between a patient’s intake of EPA/arginine-containing nutritional supplement to reduce symptoms and the reduction of symptoms associated with cancer?
    • Conclusion

      There is no evidence available that directly supports or refutes that a patient's intake of an EPA/arginine-containing nutritional supplement will reduce symptoms associated with cancer.

    • Grade: V
      • 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
       
    Is there a relationship between a patient’s preoperative intake of EPA/arginine-containing nutritional supplement to improve tolerance and support recovery from surgery and the reduction of complications associated with surgery for gastrointestinal cancer?
    • Conclusion

      One (1) small, randomized, double-blinded trial (+ quality) found that preoperative support with an EPA/arginine-containing nutritional supplement vs. arginine-containing supplement vs. a non-immune-enhanced supplement for 7 days preoperatively (patients were not controlled for other dietary intake) did not improve tolerance and support recovery from surgery or to reduce complications associated with surgery in GI cancers. This study was limited by failure to consume prescribed product, small sample size and no control group. 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