A study to investigate the incidence of early satiety in patients with advanced cancer
1992

Study on Early Satiety in Cancer Patients

Sample size: 61 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): P.J. Armes, H.J. Plant, A. Allbnrght, T. Silverstone, M.L. Slevin

Primary Institution: Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Department of Medical Oncology, St Bartholomew's and Homerton Hospitals, London

Hypothesis

Early satiety may be a major contributing factor to decreased food intake in cancer patients.

Conclusion

The study suggests that early satiety is a significant issue for a small minority of cancer patients, impacting their food intake.

Supporting Evidence

  • Early satiety occurred in 10% of patients studied.
  • Patients with early satiety had a significant increase in hunger ratings.
  • Those with early satiety reported feeling more empty and miserable.

Takeaway

Some cancer patients feel full after eating just a little food, which makes it hard for them to eat enough.

Methodology

Patients were starved and their hunger, emptiness, mood, and mental activity were measured using visual analogue scales.

Potential Biases

Patients may have misinterpreted their feelings of fullness as loss of appetite.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and may not represent all cancer patients.

Participant Demographics

47 men and 14 women, mean age 59 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.00004

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

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