Nutrition and Physical Exercise Study

Influence of a Combined Intervention by Nutritional Support and Physical Exercise on Quality of Life in Cancer Out-patients Treated in Palliative Intention.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of a combined treatment of nutritional therapy and physical exercise in palliative cancer out-patients. The investigators hypothesize that this combined intervention consisting of an increased energy- and protein intake and physical exercise level improves quality of life (QoL), functional and clinical status.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Histologically or cytologically confirmed metastatic lung cancer or gastrointestinal cancer
• WHO performance status 0, 1 or 2
• Able to walk at least 100 meters independently without crutches or walking frame assessed by the treating physician on the basis of the patient's history and physical condition
• Receiving palliative treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Enteral and/or parenteral nutrition within 1 month previous to study participation
• History of ileus within one month
• Known brain metastases or symptomatic bone metastases
• Psychiatric disorder precluding understanding of information on trial related topics and giving informed consent.
• Any serious underlying medical condition which could impair the ability of the patient to participate in the trial