Nutritional Problems and Changes in Body Composition in Patients With Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (LEKS)

Weight loss and loss of lean body mass are common and associated with adverse outcomes such as loss of strength, reduced immune- and pulmonary function and increased disability in advanced cancer. Progressive weight loss interferes with cancer therapy and is responsible for reduced quality of life (QoL) as well as shorter survival irrespective of tumour mass or presence of metastases. Weight loss in advanced cancer is regarded as a major clinical challenge because of its serious consequences, its varying aetiology and the contribution of multiple pathophysiological mechanisms that are poorly disentangled.