Should omega-3 fatty acids be used for adjuvant treatment of cancer cachexia?

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#body-composition #cachexia #dietary-supplements #fatty-acids-omega-3 #humans

Should omega-3 fatty acids be used for adjuvant treatment of cancer cachexia?

Lavriv et al., 2018 | Clin Nutr ESPEN | Systematic Review

Citation

Lavriv Daryna Sergiyivna, Neves Pedro Miguel, Ravasco Paula. Should omega-3 fatty acids be used for adjuvant treatment of cancer cachexia?. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2018-Jun;25:18-25. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.02.006

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Cancer cachexia is characterised by a progressive loss of muscle, resulting in functional impairment and shorter survival. Therefore, omega-3 has been studied for its role as an anti-cachectic therapy. This systematic review identified studies published on use of omega-3 in cancer cachexia in order to examine the potential benefit. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature using PubMed and B-on databases was conducted to identify clinical trials published between 2000 and 2015, to evaluate the effect of n-3 PUFAs on nutritional features and Quality of Life in cancer cachexia. Of 140 publications, 7 were selected on the basis of their methodological quality, according to the Delphi List. The collected data was summarized and written in text format and in tables. RESULTS: Only one study, made in pre-cachectic population, show statistically and clinically positive intervention. No benefits were observed with the 4 g EPA/day, but a potentially clinically relevant treatment effect with 2 g EPA/day. Lung tumours showed the highest CRP levels and while the weight of patients with gastrointestinal cancer increased significantly, patients with lung cancer showed no significant response. CONCLUSIONS: Future cachexia trials would likely benefit from studying a single tumour type with earlier stage disease, with probably different dosage depending on the cancer type and its inflammatory profile.

Key Findings

Only one study, made in pre-cachectic population, show statistically and clinically positive intervention. No benefits were observed with the 4 g EPA/day, but a potentially clinically relevant treatment effect with 2 g EPA/day. Lung tumours showed the highest CRP levels and while the weight of patients with gastrointestinal cancer increased significantly, patients with lung cancer showed no significant response.

Outcomes Measured

  • C-reactive protein
  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population gastrointestinal cancer increased significantly
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Body Composition
  • Cachexia
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Humans
  • Muscle, Skeletal
  • Neoplasms
  • Nutritional Status
  • Quality of Life
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: omega-3

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09