The Scientific Conference on Nutritional Disorders in Cancer Patients, hosted by Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital in collaboration with Orgalife Nutrition Science Co., Ltd., took place on 20/9 at the Adora Dynasty Convention Center in Ben Nghe Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. The conference aimed to present scientific nutritional applications and solutions for the comprehensive health and nutritional care of cancer patients in Vietnam.

Doctors and experts share their insights at the "Nutritional Disorders in Cancer Patients" scientific conference, held on 20/9 in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Orgalife

Doctors and experts share their insights at the "Nutritional Disorders in Cancer Patients" scientific conference, held on 20/9 in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Orgalife

The conference focused on three main topics. The first topic, "Nutritional Disorders in Cancer Patients (Cachexia/Obesity) - The Impacts of Cachexia and Obesity," was presented by Dr. Tran Thi Anh Tuong, Head of the Nutrition Department at Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital. She highlighted the serious health impacts of obesity and cachexia on cancer patients.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), obesity is a risk factor for at least 13 types of cancer, increasing the risk of developing the disease, leading to a worse prognosis, and increasing drug toxicity. Conversely, cancer cachexia is a complex syndrome characterized by ongoing weight loss and progressive skeletal muscle loss (sarcopenia), significantly reducing patient survival. The rate of sarcopenia in cancer patients is very high, ranging from 8% to 84.96% depending on the type and stage of the disease.

The second topic, "Recognizing Cachexia in Cancer and Intervention Orientation," was presented by Dr. Huynh Pham Thanh Tra from the Nutrition Department of Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital. The third topic, "Obesity in Cancer: From Risk Factor to 'Obesity Paradox' and Treatment Challenges," presented by Dr. Tran Thi Kim Chi, Head of the Nutrition Department at Gia Dinh People's Hospital, delved into early recognition and appropriate solutions to reduce obesity and cachexia in cancer patients.

The three speakers of the conference, from left to right: Dr. Tran Thi Anh Tuong, Dr. Tran Thi Kim Chi, and Dr. Huynh Pham Thanh Tra. Photo: Orgalife

The three speakers of the conference, from left to right: Dr. Tran Thi Anh Tuong, Dr. Tran Thi Kim Chi, and Dr. Huynh Pham Thanh Tra. Photo: Orgalife

Firstly, assessing nutritional status needs to go beyond the conventional Body Mass Index (BMI). The "Obesity Paradox" suggests that a high BMI sometimes results from increased muscle mass, not just excess fat. Additionally, sarcopenia is common in cancer patients, and even a weight loss of more than 2% can impact survival.

Secondly, a multi-modal and personalized intervention strategy is needed for each patient. The core goal is to reduce fat mass while maintaining and increasing muscle mass. Nutritionally, it is essential to ensure adequate energy intake (25-30 kcal/kg/day) and, especially, high-quality protein (more than 1.2-1.5g/kg/day, prioritizing animal protein and sufficient leucine), along with Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) supplements. Patients with difficulty eating can use nutritional substitutes like Leisure Omega X2. Furthermore, exercise, particularly resistance training, is the most effective way to improve muscle mass and strength.

Finally, early detection of malnutrition from the beginning of cancer care is crucial, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. For ICU patients, supplements like Betaglucan, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, iron, and folic acid can help boost immunity and promote recovery. Patients can also use nutritional soup supplements like Fomeal Peptides.

With the participation of leading experts in nutrition and oncology, the conference aimed to provide practical solutions for treatment and improve the health of cancer patients. In addition, the quality nutritional products researched and developed by Orgalife will offer more choices for patient care and nutritional support.

Orgalife representative speaking at the event. Photo: Orgalife

Orgalife representative speaking at the event. Photo: Orgalife

Orgalife Nutrition Science Co., Ltd. has been researching and developing nutritional products in Vietnam for the past 11 years. Currently, the company's products are available in many central and provincial hospitals, meeting export standards for the US, Europe, and several Asian countries. The products are researched and clinically proven by nutrition experts at major hospitals in Vietnam. Notable products include Fomeal Peptides and Leisure Omega X2.

Fomeal Peptides is a nutritional soup meal replacement suitable for people with physical weakness, poor nutrient absorption, and especially for ICU patients. A 2023 clinical trial at Hanoi's Xanh Pon General Hospital demonstrated that the product increased energy and protein consumption and reduced the rate of diarrhea in intensive care patients after 10 days of tube feeding.

Leisure Omega X2 is a high-energy, high-protein, Omega-3-rich meal for people experiencing weight loss, cachexia, those with high energy needs, and particularly cancer patients. In 2021, a clinical trial at K Hospital in Hanoi showed that the product improved weight, increased blood protein levels, and reduced nausea in nasopharyngeal cancer patients after four weeks.

The Dan

Orgalife Nutrition Science Co., Ltd.

Contact Information: Website: orgalife.com.vn; hotline: 19006744