Nutritional therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary liver cancer and presents together with cirrhosis in most cases. In addition to commonly recognized risk factors for HCC development, such as hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus infection, age and alcohol/tobacco consumption, there are nutritional risk factors also related to HCC development including high intake of saturated fats derived from red meat, type of cooking (generation of heterocyclic amines) and contamination of foods with aflatoxins. On the contrary, protective nutritional factors include diets rich in fiber, fruits and vegetables, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and coffee. While the patient is being evaluated for staging and treatment of HCC, special attention should be paid to nutritional support, including proper nutritional assessment and therapy by a multidisciplinary team. It must be considered that these patients usually develop HCC on top of long-lasting cirrhosis, and therefore they could present with severe malnutrition. Cirrhosis-related complications should be properly addressed and considered for nutritional care. In addition to traditional methods, functional testing, phase angle and computed tomography scan derived skeletal muscle index-L3 are among the most useful tools for nutritional assessment. Nutritional therapy should be centered on providing enough energy and protein to manage the increased requirements of both cirrhosis and cancer. Supplementation with branched-chain amino acids is also recommended as it improves response to treatment, nutritional status and survival, and finally physical exercise must be encouraged and adapted to individual needs.

Keywords: Sarcopenia; Liver; Cancer; Diet; Branched-chain amino acids; Nutrition

Core Tip: Hepatocellular carcinoma is often found in patients with cirrhosis; nutritional management for both conditions can be challenging due to increased energy requirements and increased liver-related complications. Nutritional support must include sufficient energy and proteins to overcome the highly catabolic state derived from the two conditions. Branched-chain amino acids are recommended in both cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma as they can improve muscle mass, body protein, response to treatment and quality of life. Finally, an adequate and feasible exercise program should be provided as a part of the nutritional plan, aiming to improve the overall status.