Side Effects Of Anticancer Therapy Research Articles

ВЫСОКОАФФИННЫЙ ИНГИБИТОР БЕЛКА BCL-XАКТИВИРУЕТ ПРОТЕИНКИНАЗУ А В ТРОМБОЦИТАХ И БЛОКИРУЕТ ИХ АКТИВАЦИЮ, "Российский физиологический журнал им. И.М. Сеченова"

При лечении раковых заболеваний противоопухолевыми препаратами частыми побочными эффектами являются тромбоцитопения и нарушение активации тромбоцитов. Некоторые низкомолекулярные ингибиторы антиапоптотических BCL-2 белков могут вызывать апоптоз тромбоцитов и блокировать их активацию. Были исследованы пять ингибиторов (MIM-1, ABT-199, обатоклакс, госсипол и WEHI-539) и обнаружено, что обатоклакс и госсипол вызывали прокоагулянтное состояние тромбоцитов и блокировали их активацию. WEHI-539 индуцировал каспаз-зависимый апоптоз и вызывал блокирование активации тромбоцитов за счет активации протеинкиназы А (ПКА), которая не связана с увеличением количества циклического аденозинмонофосфата в тромбоцитах. Действие обатоклакса и госсипола не зависит от активации ПКА и обусловлено другими механизмами. Ингибиторы белков MCL-1 и BCL-2 (MIM1 и ABT-199 соответственно) не вызывали гибель тромбоцитов и не оказывали действия на их активацию.

Approach to cardio-oncologic patients with special focus on patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices planned for radiotherapy: results of the European Heart Rhythm Association survey.

The aim of this European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) survey was to evaluate clinical practice regarding cardio-oncologic patients, with special focus on patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) planned for anticancer radiotherapy (RT), among members of the EHRA electrophysiology research network. Of the 36 responding centres, 89% managed patients who were diagnosed or treated oncologically, and this diagnosis affected 1-5% of cardiovascular patients in majority of centres (57%). The main side effects of anticancer therapy in patients treated by cardiologists were thromboembolic complications and left ventricular dysfunction (both reported as 'frequent' by 43% of the centres). The main agents associated with complications were anthracyclines, RT, and monoclonal antibodies. Echocardiography was the most common method of screening for cardiovascular complications (93%), and 10% of the centres did not routinely screen for treatment-induced cardiotoxicity. Opinions on the safe radiation dose, methods of device shielding, and risk calculation prior to RT in CIED patients differed among centres. Precaution measures in high-risk CIED patients were very heterogeneous among centres. Our survey has shown that the awareness of cardiac consequences of anticancer therapy is high, despite relatively low proportion of patients treated oncologically among all cardiovascular patients. There is a consensus of which screening methods should be used for cardiotoxicity of anticancer treatment, but the apprehension of screening necessity is low. Methods of risk assessment and safety measures in CIED patients undergoing RT are very heterogeneous among the European centres, underscoring the need for standardization of the approach to cardio-oncologic patients.

NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND INFORMATION NEEDS AMONG PATIENTS RECEIVING CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIOTHERAPY

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a frequent complication in patients with cancer and can negatively affect the outcome of treatments. On the other hand, side effects of anticancer therapies can also lead to inadequate nutrient intake and subsequent malnutrition. AIM: The present study aimed to assess nutritional status and information needs among patients receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy. DESIGN: descriptive design. SETTING: This study was conducted in medical department (oncology department and blood diseases) at Benha University Hospital and concerning Zagazig University Hospital at Dar El Salam University Hospital. SAMPLE: A convenient sample of 150 patients. TOOLS: The tools of data collection were: Self-Administered questionnaire to assess patients demographic characteristics and nutritional status to patients receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy . An interview questionnaire to assess Patients' information needs regarding to receive chemotherapy and radiotherapy . RESULTS: The present study showed that, Most of studied patients were complained of nausea Majority of studied patients were complained of body pain and fatigue. The majority of studied patients were suffered from taste of food changes and had nutritional changes. 48.7% of studied patients had total satisfactory information needs. While a highly statistical significant between total level of patients knowledge and their demographic characteristics at( gender, age and kind of treatment) with P value ( P ≤0.01). CONCLUSION : The present study showed that , all studied patients complained of health and nutritional problems. More than half of studied patients had unsatisfactory level of knowledge regarding informational needs regarding patients who are receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy. RECOMMENDATION: The patients need to health program about content of food which should eating during treatment and know important of protein , calories and fluids during treatment. The patients need health program about how did deal with complication of treatment.

LH prevents cisplatin-induced apoptosis in oocytes and preserves female fertility in mouse

Premature ovarian failure and female infertility are frequent side effects of anticancer therapies, owing to the extreme sensitivity of the ovarian reserve oocytes to the damaging effects of irradiation and chemotherapy on DNA. We report here a robust protective effect of luteinizing hormone (LH) on the primordial follicle pool of prepubertal ovaries against the cisplatin (Cs)-induced apoptosis. In vitro LH treatment of prepubertal ovarian fragments generated anti-apoptotic signals by a subset of ovarian somatic cells expressing LH receptor (LHR) through cAMP/PKA and Akt pathways. Such signals, reducing the oocyte level of pro-apoptotic TAp63 protein and favoring the repair of the Cs-damaged DNA in the oocytes, prevented their apoptosis. Noteworthy, in vivo administration to prepubertal female mice of a single dose of LH together with Cs inhibited the depletion of the primordial follicle reserve caused by the drug and preserved their fertility in reproductive age, preventing significant alteration in the number of pregnancy and of delivered pups. In conclusion, these findings establish a novel ovoprotective role for LH and further support the very attracting prospective to use physiological 'fertoprotective' approaches for preventing premature infertility and risks linked to precocious menopause in young patients who survived cancer after chemotherapy.

Low-dose radiation may be a novel approach to enhance the effectiveness of cancer therapeutics.

It has been generally accepted that both natural and man-made sources of ionizing radiation contribute to human exposure and consequently pose a possible risk to human health. However, accumulating evidence has shown that the biological effects of low-dose radiation (LDR) are different from those of high-dose radiation. LDR can stimulate proliferation of normal cells and activate their defense systems, while these biological effects are not observed in some cancer cell types. Although there is still no concordance on this matter, the fact that LDR has the potential to enhance the effects of cancer therapeutics and reduce the toxic side effects of anti-cancer therapy has garnered significant interest. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge regarding the experimental data detailing the different responses of normal and cancer tissues to LDR, the underlying mechanisms, and its significance in clinical application.

The Role of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) in the Control of Obesity and Metabolic Derangements in Breast Cancer.

Obesity represents a major under-recognized preventable risk factor for cancer development and recurrence, including breast cancer (BC). Healthy diet and correct lifestyle play crucial role for the treatment of obesity and for the prevention of BC. Obesity is significantly prevalent in western countries and it contributes to almost 50% of BC in older women. Mechanisms underlying obesity, such as inflammation and insulin resistance, are also involved in BC development. Fatty acids are among the most extensively studied dietary factors, whose changes appear to be closely related with BC risk. Alterations of specific ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly low basal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels, appear to be important in increasing cancer risk and its relapse, influencing its progression and prognosis and affecting the response to treatments. On the other hand, DHA supplementation increases the response to anticancer therapies and reduces the undesired side effects of anticancer therapies. Experimental and clinical evidence shows that higher fish consumption or intake of DHA reduces BC cell growth and its relapse risk. Controversy exists on the potential anticancer effects of marine ω-3 PUFAs and especially DHA, and larger clinical trials appear mandatory to clarify these aspects. The present review article is aimed at exploring the capacity of DHA in controlling obesity-related inflammation and in reducing insulin resistance in BC development, progression, and response to therapies.

Modeling Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss: From Experimental Propositions toward Clinical Reality

Chemotherapy-induced hair loss is one of the most devastating side effects of cancer treatment. To study the effects of chemotherapeutic agents on the hair follicle, a number of experimental models have been proposed. Yoon etal. report that transplantation of human scalp hair follicles onto chemotherapy-treated immunodeficient mice serves as an excellent invivo model for chemotherapy-induced hair loss. Yoon etal. demonstrate that (i) the response of human hair follicles grafted onto immunodeficient mice to cyclophosphamide resembles the key features of the chemotherapy-induced hair loss seen in patients with cancer and (ii) this human invivo model for chemotherapy-induced hair loss is closer to clinical reality than to any earlier models. Undoubtedly, this model will serve as a valuable tool for analyses of the mechanisms that underlie this devastating side effect of anti-cancer therapy.

Prevention of male infertility in the treatment of tumors. Problems and solutions

One of the main side effects of anticancer therapy is male infertility. The article deals with the causes, mechanisms and effects, occurring after treatment with cytotoxic drugs, as well as ways to preserve the reproductive function. The experience of the Federal Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology named after Dmitry Rogachev in solving this problem.

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among palliative care cancer outpatients: Prospective analysis of 347 cases of single individual medical practice.

204 Background: In spite of the fact that cancer patients under palliative care represent the group of high risk for vitamin D deficiency (e.g. changed nutritional patterns and UV exposure), data reporting vitamin D levels in palliative care setting are rather scarce. Methods: Between Jan-02/2014 and June-20/2015 circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin-D (25-OH-D) levels were analyzed in 76% consecutive patients’ samples of a single individual cancer practice located in Gdansk, Poland. Three hundred forty seven patients (female: 72.5%, median age 64, range: 23-89 years; breast cancer: 57.8%, colon cancer 27.7%) were admitted for palliative care due to: disseminated cancer (18%), side effects of anticancer therapy (56.6%) or symptom control in non-cancer diseases (24.5%). Results of fast 25-OH-D blood tests were correlated with selected clinical factors. Results: The median 25-OH-D level of all our cohort patients was 15.85 ng/mL (range: 0.40 – 62.00 ng/mL); 65.0% of subjects were vitamin D deficient (25-OH-D < 20 ng/mL) and 23.5% insufficient (20-30 ng/mL); only 3.30% patients were taking vitamin D supplements before they entered the study. The univariate analysis identified the following risk factors for inadequate 25-OH-D levels: active cancer disease (median 25-OH-D: 12.50 ng/mL versus 17.86 ng/mL in patients without evidence of disease, p < 0.001) and current glucocorticoids use (at least 14 days within the last month: 11.58 ng/mL versus 17.12 ng/mL in glucocorticoids nonusers; p < 0.01). Age, gender, body mass index values, primary cancer location, dominant metastatic site and higher antibiotics use did not influence 25-OH-D levels. Conclusions: 1) Low (deficient or insufficient) 25-OH-D serum levels were highly prevalent in palliative cancer care outpatients, mostly in those with clinically active disease and using glucocorticoids; 2) the study will continue to address the correlation between 25-OH-D concentrations and symptom burden as well as the potential feasibility of vitamin D supplementation to improve symptoms management of patients in palliative care setting.

TLR signaling modulates side effects of anticancer therapy in the small intestine.

Intestinal mucositis represents the most common complication of intensive chemotherapy, which has a severe adverse impact on quality of life of cancer patients. However, the precise pathophysiology remains to be clarified, and there is so far no successful therapeutic intervention. In this study, we investigated the role of innate immunity through TLR signaling in modulating genotoxic chemotherapy-induced small intestinal injury in vitro and in vivo. Genetic deletion of TLR2, but not MD-2, in mice resulted in severe chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis in the proximal jejunum with villous atrophy, accumulation of damaged DNA, CD11b(+)-myeloid cell infiltration, and significant gene alterations in xenobiotic metabolism, including a decrease in ABCB1/multidrug resistance (MDR)1 p-glycoprotein (p-gp) expression. Functionally, stimulation of TLR2 induced synthesis and drug efflux activity of ABCB1/MDR1 p-gp in murine and human CD11b(+)-myeloid cells, thus inhibiting chemotherapy-mediated cytotoxicity. Conversely, TLR2 activation failed to protect small intestinal tissues genetically deficient in MDR1A against DNA-damaging drug-induced apoptosis. Gut microbiota depletion by antibiotics led to increased susceptibility to chemotherapy-induced mucosal injury in wild-type mice, which was suppressed by administration of a TLR2 ligand, preserving ABCB1/MDR1 p-gp expression. Findings were confirmed in a preclinical model of human chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis using duodenal biopsies by demonstrating that TLR2 activation limited the toxic-inflammatory reaction and maintained assembly of the drug transporter p-gp. In conclusion, this study identifies a novel molecular link between innate immunity and xenobiotic metabolism. TLR2 acts as a central regulator of xenobiotic defense via the multidrug transporter ABCB1/MDR1 p-gp. Targeting TLR2 may represent a novel therapeutic approach in chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis.

Antibiotics that target mitochondria effectively eradicate cancer stem cells, across multiple tumor types: treating cancer like an infectious disease.

Here, we propose a new strategy for the treatment of early cancerous lesions and advanced metastatic disease, via the selective targeting of cancer stem cells (CSCs), a.k.a., tumor-initiating cells (TICs). We searched for a global phenotypic characteristic that was highly conserved among cancer stem cells, across multiple tumor types, to provide a mutation-independent approach to cancer therapy. This would allow us to target cancer stem cells, effectively treating cancer as a single disease of "stemness", independently of the tumor tissue type. Using this approach, we identified a conserved phenotypic weak point - a strict dependence on mitochondrial biogenesis for the clonal expansion and survival of cancer stem cells. Interestingly, several classes of FDA-approved antibiotics inhibit mitochondrial biogenesis as a known "side-effect", which could be harnessed instead as a "therapeutic effect". Based on this analysis, we now show that 4-to-5 different classes of FDA-approved drugs can be used to eradicate cancer stem cells, in 12 different cancer cell lines, across 8 different tumor types (breast, DCIS, ovarian, prostate, lung, pancreatic, melanoma, and glioblastoma (brain)). These five classes of mitochondrially-targeted antibiotics include: the erythromycins, the tetracyclines, the glycylcyclines, an anti-parasitic drug, and chloramphenicol. Functional data are presented for one antibiotic in each drug class: azithromycin, doxycycline, tigecycline, pyrvinium pamoate, as well as chloramphenicol, as proof-of-concept. Importantly, many of these drugs are non-toxic for normal cells, likely reducing the side effects of anti-cancer therapy. Thus, we now propose to treat cancer like an infectious disease, by repurposing FDA-approved antibiotics for anti-cancer therapy, across multiple tumor types. These drug classes should also be considered for prevention studies, specifically focused on the prevention of tumor recurrence and distant metastasis. Finally, recent clinical trials with doxycycline and azithromycin (intended to target cancer-associated infections, but not cancer cells) have already shown positive therapeutic effects in cancer patients, although their ability to eradicate cancer stem cells was not yet appreciated.

Integration of homeopathy and complementary medicine in the public health system in Italy: national regulation and regional experiences

Complementary medicine (CM) is being increasingly used by citizens across Europe as a means to maintain their health and to treat illness and disease. In Italy the reform of Title V of the Italian Constitution allows each Region to decide how to put into practice and organize the Public Healthcare System. The agreement among the Italian National Government, the Regions, and the Provinces of Trento and Bolzano on the terms and requirements for the quality certification of training and practice of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and homeopathy by medical doctors and dentists, signed on February 2013, sets up rules for education and training in acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy, homotoxicology, and anthroposophic medicine. Some regions, including Tuscany, have decided to include Complementary Medicine in their Essential Levels of Assistance, by creating some structures that integrate the health services into the public structures. The Homeopathic Clinic in Lucca, funded by the Tuscany Region, was established in 1998 as part of a pilot project aimed at assessing the feasibility of integrating complementary medicine into the public health care system. To date, over 4,000 patients have been consecutively visited at the Homeopathic Clinic in Lucca. Concomitantly, research into homeopathy effectiveness has been conducted on the whole sample and on specific groups of children, women or patients’ parents as well. Studies were also performed on symptom reduction or resolution of atopic diseases, respiratory diseases, side effects of anticancer therapies in women. Other researches concerned cost/effectiveness of therapies, sociodemographic characteristics and compliance of patients, and risk management. The results demonstrate that homeopathy can effectively integrate or, in some cases, substitute allopathic medicine and that the Tuscan example can be useful to the development of national or European rules on CM utilization.

Expression patterns of RelA and c-mip are associated with different glomerular diseases following anti-VEGF therapy

Renal toxicity constitutes a dose-limiting side effect of anticancer therapies targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In order to study this further, we followed up 29 patients receiving this treatment, who experienced proteinuria, hypertension, and/or renal insufficiency. Eight developed minimal change nephropathy/focal segmental glomerulopathy (MCN/FSG)-like lesions and 13 developed thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). Patients receiving receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (RTKIs) mainly developed MCN/FSG-like lesions, whereas TMA complicated anti-VEGF therapy. There were no mutations in factor H, factor I, or membrane cofactor protein of the complement alternative pathway, while plasma ADAMTS13 activity persisted and anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies were undetectable in patients with TMA. Glomerular VEGF expression was undetectable in TMA and decreased in MCN/FSG. Glomeruli from patients with TMA displayed a high abundance of RelA in endothelial cells and in the podocyte nuclei, but c-mip was not detected. Conversely, MCN/FSG-like lesions exhibited a high abundance of c-mip, whereas RelA was scarcely detected. RelA binds in vivo to the c-mip promoter and prevents its transcriptional activation, whereas RelA knockdown releases c-mip activation. The RTKI sorafenib inhibited RelA activity, which then promoted c-mip expression. Thus, our results suggest that c-mip and RelA define two distinct types of renal damage associated with VEGF-targeted therapies.

Factors affecting patient's perception of anticancer treatments side-effects: an observational study

Background: Analysis of relative importance of side effects of anticancer therapy is extremely useful in the process of clinical decision making. There is evidence that patients' perception of the side effects of anticancer treatments changes over time.Objectives: Aim of this study was to evaluate the cancer patients' perceptions of physical and non-physical side effects of contemporary anticancer therapy. Four hundred and sixty-four patients entered the study (153 men and 311 women). Participants were asked to rank their side effects in order of distress by using two sets of cards naming physical and non-physical effects, respectively. Influencing factors, including treatment and patient characteristics, were also analysed.Results: Patients ranked the non-physical side effect ‘Affects my family or partner’ first. ‘Constantly tired’ and ‘Loss of hair’ were ranked second and third, respectively. Significant differences from previous studies on this topic emerged. In particular, ‘Vomiting’, a predominant concern in previous studies, almost disappeared, whereas ‘Nausea’ and ‘Loss of hair’ remained important side effects in the patients' perception. Interestingly, marital status was predominant in driving patients' perception, being associated with several side effects (‘Constantly tired’, ‘Loss of appetite’, ‘Affects my work/Home duties’, ‘Affects my social activities’, ‘Infertility’). Other significant factors influencing patient's perception of side effects included age, disease characteristics and ongoing anticancer therapy.Conclusions: This study provided information on current status of patients' perceptions of side effects of anticancer treatment. These results could be used in pre-treatment patient education and counselling.

Expert consensus for multi-modality imaging evaluation of cardiovascular complications of radiotherapy in adults: a report from the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging and the American Society of Echocardiography

Cardiac toxicity is one of the most concerning side effects of anti-cancer therapy. The gain in life expectancy obtained with anti-cancer therapy can be compromised by increased morbidity and mortality associated with its cardiac complications. While radiosensitivity of the heart was initially recognized only in the early 1970s, the heart is regarded in the current era as one of the most critical dose-limiting organs in radiotherapy. Several clinical studies have identified adverse clinical consequences of radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) on the outcome of long-term cancer survivors. A comprehensive review of potential cardiac complications related to radiotherapy is warranted. An evidence-based review of several imaging approaches used to detect, evaluate, and monitor RIHD is discussed. Recommendations for the early identification and monitoring of cardiovascular complications of radiotherapy by cardiac imaging are also proposed.

Cardioncology: State of the heart

Cardiotoxicity caused by chemotherapy is a concerning reality plaguing oncologists and cardiologists. The coexistence of cancer and cardiovascular diseases in the same patient is more common due to the aging population and improvement of chemotherapeutic drug effectiveness. We review the incidence and clinical features of cardiotoxicity caused by some of the most common chemotherapeutic drugs to provide the cardiologist with information regarding general cardiovascular toxicity, early left ventricular dysfunction detection, cardiac damage prevention and follow-up. In conclusion, awareness of this emerging problem has important clinical implications as only highly specialized care will prevent patients who successfully overcome cancer from being defeated by the side effects of anticancer therapy.

The Effect of Chemotherapy on Serum Carnitine Levels and Fatigue in Chemotherapy Naive Medical Oncology Patients: A Pilot Study. Carnitine, Chemotherapy and Fatigue

Abstract Background: Fatigue, a highly prevalent side-effect of anticancer therapy, poses a significant burden on patient quality of life. Carnitine deficiency has been implicated in the development of fatigue during chemotherapy. Methods: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the relationship between chemotherapy-related fatigue and serum carnitine (total, free- and acyl: free carnitine ratio) in 35 chemotherapy-naive oncology patients at baseline, 6 and12 weeks. Results: Carnitine deficiency, based on acyl: free carnitine ratio, was detected in three patients at baseline but this did not persist to the next time point. Carnitine deficiency was not detected in any other participant throughout this study and levels of carnitine were not correlated with fatigue during the study period. Conclusion: A relationship between carnitine status and fatigue was not found at the time points measured. Further research is required to confirm these results in a larger medical oncology population.

Relief with Rapamycin: mTOR Inhibition Protects against Radiation-Induced Mucositis

In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Iglesias-Bartolome et al. (2012) show that mTOR inhibition with rapamycin protects against mucositis in mice, suggesting potential treatment strategies against this harmful side effect of anticancer therapies. In normal tissues, rapamycin prevents epithelial stem cell senescence by reducing oxidative stress through increased MnSOD.

The impact of dermatological toxicities of anti‐cancer therapy on the dermatological quality of life of cancer patients

One of the most common side effects of anti-cancer therapies is treatment-induced skin changes, referred to as dermatological toxicities. These dermatological toxicities are noteworthy since they have a negative association with quality of life (QoL). To evaluate the impact of dermatological toxicities on QoL of cancer patients and to identify the relationship between disease-related characteristics and QoL and changes in skin protective behaviours following anti-cancer therapy. Cancer patients (n = 80: stage II-IV) in a longitudinal prospective study completed a battery of questionnaires at the time of enrolment and after 3 months of anti-cancer therapy. QoL, skin toxicities, smoking and drinking behaviour, sun-protective and skin care behaviour assessments were performed before and at 3 months after anti-cancer therapy. QoL was measured with the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). A total of 73 patients completed the study. Among them, 48 patients (65.8%) experienced at least grade 1 skin toxicity at 3 months after anti-cancer therapy. Hair loss, hyperpigmentation and dry skin were the most common dermatological toxicities. The mean baseline DLQI score changed from 1.38 to 3.49 at 3 months after anti-cancer therapy. Domain 1 (symptoms and feelings, 1.38 points) was the most greatly impacted among patients by anti-cancer treatment. Patients who experienced at least grade 1 skin toxicity (P = 0.001, 95% CI: 1.939-4.899), employed (P = 0.042, 95% CI: 0.030-1.476), more highly educated (P = 0.030, 95% CI: 0.161-3.132), and diagnosed with gastric cancer (P = 0.001, 95% CI: 2.141-8.250) or renal cell cancer (P = 0.002, 95% CI: 2.731-11.364) showed significantly higher DLQI scores. Patients showed significant change in skin protective behaviour such as use of body moisturizer (P = 0.021) and change in drinking behaviour (P = 0.006) at 3 months following anti-cancer therapy. Dermatological toxicities due to anti-cancer therapy affect the QoL of cancer patients. Therefore, health care professionals should pay attention to the psychological effects of skin problems and educate cancer patients to adapt proactive skin protective behaviours to minimize dermatological toxicities of anti-cancer therapy and maximize QoL.

Nutritional screening and early treatment of malnutrition in cancer patients

Background Malnutrition is a frequent complication in patients with cancer and can negatively affect the outcome of treatments. On the other hand, side effects of anticancer therapies can also lead to inadequate nutrient intake and subsequent malnutrition. The nutritional screening aims to identify patients at risk of malnutrition for prompt treatment and/or careful follow-up. Methods and results This manuscript highlights the need of an interdisciplinary approach (oncologist, nutritionist, dietitian, psychologist, etc.) to empower patients who are experiencing loss of physiological and biological function, fatigue, malnutrition, psychological distress, etc., as a result of cancer disease or its treatment, and maintain an acceptable quality of life. Conclusions It is necessary to make all healthcare professionals aware of the opportunity to identify cancer patients at risk of malnutrition early in order to plan the best possible intervention and follow-up during cancer treatment and progression.