Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Addresses Pancreatic Cancer Weight Loss Causes And Treatment In Newly Published Paper

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif., Jan. 2, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- A  published in The Oncologist, representing the work of the  (PanCAN) Supportive Care Committee of , categorizes pancreatic cancer-related weight loss into three categories: anorexia, malabsorption and cachexia, provides best-practice recommendations for assessment and intervention for each cause, and states that weight loss in patients should be treated as aggressively as the cancer itself.

Evidence-based recommendations outlined in the paper include regular weight screenings,  with registered dietitians (as appropriate) and exercise. The authors also recommend patients be provided with  replacement therapy as needed.

"It is important to distinguish the three causes of weight loss in pancreatic cancer patients," said , chief science officer at PanCAN and a coauthor of the article. "By identifying the specific cause of a patient's weight loss, clinicians will be able to more accurately combat the issue with the appropriate treatment, tailored to the patient's needs."

An estimated 85 percent of pancreatic cancer patients suffer from cancer cachexia, a condition that causes patients to lose significant muscle mass. Also, side effects of treatment, such as mouth sores or digestive problems, can make eating less appealing and lead to anorexia-related weight loss in patients. And if the cancer, or surgery to remove it, hinders the normal functions of the pancreas, patients can become malnourished and lose weight, as they're unable to digest food properly due to malabsorption.

Weight loss in pancreatic cancer patients can significantly lower patients' quality of life, ability to handle treatment and can impact survival. Proper supportive care can stabilize or reverse weight loss in these patients and improve quality of life, treatment tolerance and improve overall outcomes. 

In addition to Matrisian, the paper's coauthors include Andrew E. Hendifar, MD, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Maria Petzel, RD, CSO, LD, CNSC, at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Teresa A. Zimmers, PhD, at Indiana University School of Medicine, Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, at Fox Chase Cancer Center at Temple Health, Vincent J. Picozzi, MD, at Virginia Mason Medical Center and , PanCAN's associate director of scientific initiatives.

Dr. Picozzi also serves as a member of .

Together, this group of scientists, physicians, and a dietitian are part of the Supportive Care Committee of Precision Promise, PanCAN's adaptive clinical trial platform for pancreatic cancer patients set to launch in 2019. This committee aims to establish best  by fostering research and disseminating results.

Learn more about pancreatic cancer-related weight loss and supportive care practices by visiting  or by . Follow the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network on ,  and .

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is dedicated to fighting the world's toughest cancer. In our urgent mission to save lives, we attack pancreatic cancer on all fronts: research, clinical initiatives, patient services and advocacy. Our effort is amplified by a nationwide network of grassroots support. We are determined to improve patient outcomes today and to double survival by 2020.

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SOURCE Pancreatic Cancer Action Network