Are gastrointestinal problems, nutritional care, and nutritional care needs associated with quality of life in patients with advanced cancer? Results of the observational eQuiPe study.

Purpose: To assess the association of gastrointestinal problems, received nutritional care, and nutritional care needs with quality of life (QoL) in patients with advanced cancer.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis within the observational prospective eQuiPe cohort study on experienced quality of care and QoL in patients with advanced cancer was performed. QoL and gastrointestinal problems were measured using the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ)-C30.

[Unintentional weight loss].

In this article we describe the causes and diagnostic work-up of unintentional weight loss. It is defined as loss of weight of at least 5% in 6 months. There is both attention to somatic and functional causes of weight loss, as well as iatrogenic causes like side-effects of medication.