Novel approaches for the correction of micronutrient deficiency in patients with malignant tumors

The tumor cell metabolism in malignancy is the cause of micronutrient deficiency, especially in patients with advanced disease. Various studies in patients with malignant tumors revealed the deficit of certain amino acids (glycine, arginine, cysteine, asparagine, lysine, methionine), vitamins (C, E, D, group B), and a number of trace elements (zinc, manganese, selenium). However, the problem of micronutrient deficiency, as well as the necessity of its correction in cancer patients are not widely recognized and poorly implemented by oncologists.The clinical studies in patients with terminal stage of hepatocellular carcinoma have shown that the use of food supplements affecting the micronutrient metabolism (e.g. Oncoxin) can improve appetite, quality of life and well-being. Furthermore, the ability to improve the 2 months survival in this group of patients by using of Oncoxin was demonstrated. Thus, the rational correction of micronutrients deficiency can have a positive effect on the general condition of patients and treatment results.