Cancer cachexia is a common debilitating weight loss syndrome in advanced cancer, particularly in lung cancer patients. The omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), because of their immune-modulating effects, have been used to improve the nutritional status of patients with cancer cachexia. This meta-analysis evaluated the effect of omega-3 fatty acids in change in weight and lean body mass or skeletal mass, and in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Electronic databases were extensively searched for randomized controlled trials investigating omega-3 fatty acids in cancer cachexia among patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Unpublished literature was also searched through manual handsearching and accessing online databases. Two review authors independently evaluated the methodological quality of the trials and analyzed the data.
Six trials (394 patients) were included in the analysis. Five trials assessed change in weight, while two trials assessed change in lean body mass or skeletal mass, and HRQoL scores (Global Health and Physical Functioning Subscales). There is a significant difference in change in weight (mean difference [MD]: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.38; ƶ: 14.49, p<0.01) and HRQoL scores (Global Health subscale [MD: 14.40, 95% CI: 9.22 to 19.59, ƶ: 5.44, p<0.01] and Physical Functioning subscale [MD: 10.38, 95% CI: 8.50 to 12.27, ƶ: 10.78, p<0.01]) favoring the omega-3 fatty acids group. However, there is no sufficient evidence to support the association of change in lean body mass or skeletal mass, and the said intervention (MD: 2.05, 95% CI: -0.55 to 4.66; ƶ: 1.54, p: 0.12).
Among patients with advanced non-small lung cancer with cancer cachexia, there is a significant increase in weight and HRQoL scores in the omega-3 fatty acids group. However, there is no sufficient evidence to support the association of change in lean body mass or skeletal mass, and the said intervention.
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