Immunonutrition in oncology

Nutritional support improved the treatment results of cachectic patients and patients at risk of malnutrition in the course of scheduled treatment. Searching for a more effective impact of nutritional treatment, components influencing immunological activity have been found. Immunonutrition is executed by the supplementation of substances indispensable for optimal activity of the immunological system and direct interference in immune functions. It is assumed that the procedure helps to restore normal levels of substances responsible for efficient functioning of the immunological system and optimal overcoming of the cause of the inflammatory state, and minimizes the unfavourable effects of SIRS. The paper explains the essence of cancerous cachexia and the ways of coping with this phenomenon by adding immunonutritional substances to the diet. These substances are introduced, especially arginine, glutamine, polyunsaturated fatty acids, nucleotides, probiotics and prebiotics. Considerations about controversies related to nutritional treatment are included. The urgent need to establish standards of immunonutrition is emphasized.