ABSTRACT
Protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) is a common problem often observed in critically ill patients upon admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) (1). Cancer patients admitted to the ICU represent a unique challenge since malnutrition has been documented in up to 80% of this hospitalized population (2). The provision of nutrition support to critically ill cancer patients is considered controversial by some clinicians. It is unclear if nutrition support prevents starvation or decreases morbidity and mortality in this patient population. There is literature to corroborate that nutrition support may negate treatment (chemotherapy) and promote tumor growth in cancer (3,4). However, malnutrition has been associated with a higher incidence of poor wound healing, wound dehiscence, infection, impaired immune function, and respiratory dysfunction along with fluid and electrolyte disorders. Therefore, nutrition support appears to be a required supportive treatment in ICU and postoperative patients to prevent these complications. This chapter focuses on critically ill cancer patients and discusses important considerations when formulating nutrition support regimens.
