Comparison of outpatient parenteral nutrition regimens of patients with GIT tumors with and without receiving simultaneous palliative systemic chemotherapy

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18578 Background: The nutritional status of oncology patients significantly impacts the success of tumor-specific therapy.This study was designed to objectify the benefit of parenteral nutrition therapy (PN) administered in the ambulatory care setting and at home by evaluation of nutritional parameters in patients simultaneously undergoing palliative systemic chemotherapy. Methods: From 2003 through 2005 56 patients diagnosed with metastatic GIT tumors were included in the survey.43 patients received PN at home (hPN n=16) or in the ambulatory clinic (aPN n= 27) over a period of 8 weeks because of their poor nutritional status.Of 36 patients who underwent palliative systemic chemotherapy, 25 received PN (13 hPN/12 aPN).In aPN 600kcl were administered, while 1500 kcal where given in hPN.The therapy was administered 5 times a week.In all patients albumin and total protein were measured weekly along with body composition via bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA). Results: Over the course of 8 weeks a continuous decrease of albumin and total protein was found in patients not receiving PN.In aPN laboratory values decreased during the first 4 weeks and later stabilized at low levels.In hPN continuous increases in albumin and total protein were observed.BIA results were comparable.In patients receiving chemotherapy without PN there was an initial improvement of relevant BIA parameters followed by a noticeable decline, while in patients receiving chemotherapy and simultaneous PN a stabilization of values occurred after a slight initial decrease.Evaluation of the corresponding laboratory values showed no decline in the group receiving PN but a significant decline in patients receiving chemotherapy only. Conclusions: The nutritional status of patients with GIT tumors shows a continuous decline during chemotherapy without the addition of PN.This study’s data indicate an advantage of PN for patients with GIT tumors, when started early enough. When chemotherapy and PN are administered, there are limitations the use of BIA as a method of measurement.Verification of laboratory parameters specific to nutrition in the process of treatment is both adequate and necessary for assessment of nutritional status. No significant financial relationships to disclose.