The role of dietary protein in progressing stage of cancer

Malignant tumours are the second most important reasons of death, after cardiovascular diseases. Cancer cachexia is a result of progressive neoplasms. It is not an individual disease but a group of symptoms as a result of advanced cancerogenesis, and so it is called a syndrome. It is worth mentioning that cachexia can be related with a type of anticancer treatment. Characteristic features of this syndrome are substantial loss of weight, both muscle and fat mass, as well as chronic exhaustion. The diet of oncological patients should contain properly selected sources of easily digestible proteins characterised by adequate proportions of exogenous and endogenous amino acids. The aim of the article was to point out the role of dietary proteins in advanced stages of cancer. A properly selected diet can reduce symptoms of cachexia syndrome and support the body in anticancer treatment. The information contained in this article can influence diet modification and improve the efficiency of supportive care.