The Role of Eicosapentaenoic Acid Supplementation on Muscle Mass in Malnutrition Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue: Case Report

Abstract

The Indonesian prevalence of lip and oral cavity cancer in 2020 was 14,913, with 5,780 new cases. Head and neck cancer patients are very vulnerable to malnutrition; about 50% are malnourished, and 80% experience unwanted weight loss. Studies showed a significant effect of EPA as an anti-inflammatory substance. A 56-year-old female patient with a diagnosis of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) presents with the tumor removed along with some teeth.  She is experiencing difficulty chewing food and had a weight loss of 8 kg (17%) in the last six months. The patient's muscle mass was 25.5% (low). Patients were given protein intake in the 1.1-1.8 g/kgbw/day range and EPA supplementation of 1.1 g/day.  After one month, the BIA measurement showed that her muscle mass had increased to 26.2% and was in the normal category. Omega 3, especially EPA, improved body weight and lean body mass in cancer patients by modulating circulating inflammatory markers, demonstrating an inhibitory effect on inflammatory parameters related to muscle atrophy and lipolysis.Adequate protein intake and supplementation of 1.1 g/day EPA increased muscle mass in malnourished patients and enhanced the effectiveness of cancer therapy.