Nutrition and cancer: Inserm researchers in Lyon work on a solution to combat undernutrition
Undernutrition is a major issue for cancer patients, affecting their state of health and quality of life. According to estimates, between 10 and 20% of patients die every year as a result of this nutritional imbalance. To combat this problem, researchers at Inserm in Lyon have developed an innovative project: Onco-Nutribiota.
Insufficient care for undernutrition
Undernutrition is often underestimated in the management of cancer patients. Yet it can have serious consequences for their health, particularly by reducing their ability to tolerate and benefit from treatment. The solutions currently available, such as standard food supplements or artificial tube feeding, present limitations and risks for patients. It is therefore necessary to develop new options to combat undernutrition.
Onco-Nutribiota: a personalized solution to restore a taste for life
The Onco-Nutribiota project, led by gastroenterologist and researcher Nicolas Benech, aims to develop a new generation of personalized foods for cancer patients. To achieve this, a cohort of 200 patients will be set up to evaluate in detail their sensory changes and their microbiota, i.e. all the microorganisms living in their body. Using these data, foods specially designed to meet patients “needs and desires will be developed in collaboration with Institut Lyfe. A clinical study will then assess the effectiveness of these foods on patients” quality of life.
Promising benefits for all patients affected by undernutrition
Although the project is still under development, the expected spin-offs are very promising. In addition to improving the quality of life of cancer patients, the foods developed could also benefit others suffering from undernutrition. The Onco-Nutribiota project is therefore the start of a story that could have a major impact on the management of undernutrition, which affects almost two million people in France.
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Nicolas Benech is a gastroenterologist and researcher at the Lyon Cancer Research Center (unit 1052 Inserm/CNRS/Université Claude- Bernard – Lyon 1/Centre Léon-Bérard).
This article has been adapted from content published by Inserm. Find the source article and all references on the Inserm website.