Total parenteral nutrition in cancer patients.

One hundred and twenty-one cancer patients received 134 courses of total parenteral nutrition (TPN); almost all were treated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. The average weight loss prior to TPN was 6.7 kg and albumin 3.1 g%/patient; 25% glucose solution with 4.25 g% amino acids was used as a calorie and nitrogen source. The average weight gain was 2.6 kg for those who received TPN less than 2 wk and 4.5 kg if TPN was given for greater than 2 wk. Complications were low; 3% had proven TPN-related septicemia. Mild to moderate reversible metabolic complications were common, although severe complications were rare; no one died because of TPN. Our experience confirms the previous reports that TPN can be given safely to malnourished compromised cancer patients.