Effect of Nutritional Supplementation High in Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA) on the Nutritional Status of Advanced Cervical Cancer Patients Receiving Radiotherapy

BACKGROUNDIn 30-90% of cancer patients, weight loss is caused by inadequate intake, changes in metabolism, and inflammatory and humoral responses between the host and tumor. Longitudinal studies have shown that cancer patients who experience weight loss have a worse prognosis than those with stable weight. This change is thought to affect therapeutic response. Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA) omega-6 : omega-3 intake ratio of about 1-2 : 1 may fight cancer growth. Several publications reported that PUFA omega-3 has pro-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic effects. This study aims to determine the effect of high PUFA nutritional supplementation on the nutritional status of advanced cervical cancer patients who receive radiotherapy.METHODSThis study was a double-blind Randomised Clinical Trial on advanced cervical cancer patients at the Radiotherapy Department, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM), Jakarta, from April 2013 to April 2014. The study subjects were taken consecutively, through randomization divided into two groups, namely the treatment and control groups. During radiation, the subjects received nutritional supplementation containing isocaloric and isoproteins with a ratio of omega-6 : omega-3 fatty acids = 1.27 : 1 and control. During treatment, weekly evaluations were conducted, including body weight and acute radiation side effects.RESULTSA total of 31 subjects out of 45 subjects were able to complete the study, with 16 subjects in the treatment group and 15 subjects in the control group. Before treatment, socio-demographic status, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid intake patterns, nutritional and clinical status were not significantly different. The body weight of the treatment group that received high PUFA nutritional supplementation with a ratio of omega-6 : omega-3 fatty acids = 1.27 : 1 was relatively more stable, while the control group that received nutritional supplementation without PUFA decreased (p = 0.539), but the ∆ weight loss in each group was not significantly different (p = 0.149).CONCLUSIONSPUFA supplementation can maintain the nutritional status of cervical cancer patients by maintaining body weight.