Nutričná podpora u onkologických pacientov v paliatívnej starostlivosti // SOLEN

Onkológia 1/2026

Nutritional support in oncological patients in palliative care

Malnutrition, sarcopenia, and cancer cachexia represent serious and frequently underdiagnosed complications in patients with advanced malignancies receiving palliative care. They are associated with impaired functional status, reduced quality of life, increased morbidity, decreased tolerance to anticancer treatment, and shortened survival. The aim of this paper is to summarise current evidence on the diagnosis and nutritional support options for oncology patients in the palliative setting, with an emphasis on quality of life, ethical considerations, and an individualised approach. The paper also includes a case report of a patient with advanced colorectal cancer, illustrating the practical application of symptom-oriented nutritional and pharmacological interventions. Appropriately selected nutritional interventions may improve quality of life and functional status in carefully selected patients, particularly when integrated into early, multidisciplinary palliative care.

Keywords: palliative medicine, nutrition, enteral nutrition, parenteral nutrition, malnutrition