Can Pancreatic Enzymes Help Patients with Pancreatic Cancer?
As of July 2022, there are more than 600 studies investigating pancreatic enzyme for pancreatic cancer on clinicaltrials.gov. Good nutritional care improves outcomes and is critical for your quality of life. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network strongly recommends that patients have access to pancreatic enzymes and see a registered dietitian.
What are pancreatic enzymes?
Pancreatic enzymes help break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates. A normally functioning pancreas secretes about 8 cups of pancreatic juice into the duodenum, daily. This fluid contains pancreatic enzymes to help with digestion and bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid as it enters the small intestine.
Types of Pancreatic Enzymes and Their Effects
1. Lipase
Effects: Lipase works with bile from the liver to break down fat molecules so they can be absorbed and used by the body.
Shortage may cause: Lack of needed fats and fat-soluble vitamins; Diarrhea and/or fatty stools.
Protease
Effects: Proteases break down proteins. They help keep the intestine free of parasites such as bacteria, yeast and protozoa.
Shortage may cause: Allergies or the formation of toxic substances due to incomplete digestion of proteins and increased risk for intestinal infections.
2. Amylase
Effects: Amylase breaks down carbohydrates (starch) into sugars which are more easily absorbed by the body. This enzyme is also found in saliva.
Shortage may cause: Diarrhea due to the effects of undigested starch in the colon.
Reasons to Take Pancreatic Enzymes
Pancreatic insufficiency is the inability of the pancreas to secrete the enzymes needed for digestion. Having an insufficient amount of pancreatic enzymes is very common among people with pancreatic cancer. When the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes to break down food, pancreatic enzyme products are needed. Doctors sometimes prescribe digestive enzymes, including pancreatic enzymes, to patients who have conditions that cause poor absorption. These products help improve digestion and absorption of food.
According to a study published in Cancers (Basel) on Feb 2020:
"PEI (pancreatic exocrine insufficiency) is a hallmark of PC (pancreatic cancer), although its prevalence and severity depends on a number of factors, such as the location of the tumour (tumours in the head of the pancreas are associated with a higher prevalence of PEI than tumours in the body/tail) and the type of surgery the patient undergoes in the case of resectable PC (patients undergoing PD (pancreaticoduodenectomy) for PC develop PEI in 64–100% of cases, whereas this percentage decreases to 0–42% for DP (distal pancreatectomy).
Therefore, we recommend that every physician treating PC patients, being an oncologist, surgeon, or gastroenterologist, should look for signs of malnutrition, and in the case of suspicion, refer the patient to a clinical nutrition specialist to implement prophylactic nutritional monitoring and/or counselling. During counselling, patients should be guided into self-management of PERT (pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy), in order to learn how to optimise PERT to their needs and their diet."
Some of the conditions that may cause pancreatic insufficiency include surgery (Whipple procedure or total pancreatectomy), blockage or narrowing of the pancreatic or biliary duct (the tubes that carry pancreatic juice or bile), pancreatic or duodenal tumors, cystic fibrosis or pancreatitis.
Some of the symptoms associated with pancreatic enzyme insufficiency include:
About 25% of patients who have the Whipple procedure will have long-term malabsorption and will need to take supplemental enzymes for life. Other patients may need enzymes for a few months or years after surgery. Patients who have radiation therapy along with the Whipple procedure are much more likely to have long-term malabsorption. Fat absorption usually does not return to normal in these patients even if they are taking enzyme replacement products. In this case, the goal is to eliminate diarrhea, restore adequate nutrition and prevent weight loss.
MCT (Medium Chain Triglyceride) oil may help control weight loss in patients with uncontrolled malabsorption. MCT oil is a calorie-rich type of fat that bypasses usual fat absorption and is rapidly absorbed by the body. It is found naturally in coconut oil, palm kernel oil and butter. MCT oil is added to some medical nutritional supplements and can also be purchased alone as a nutritional supplement. Use of oral nutritional supplements may promote weight gain, help increase strength and physical activity, and improve quality of life.
In patients with unresectable (non-operable) cancer in the head of the pancreas, bile duct and/or pancreatic duct obstructions are common. For these patients, a combination of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, nutritional counseling and drainage of the bile duct can prevent weight loss and improve symptoms.
Sources of Supplemental Pancreatic Enzymes
Pancreatic enzyme products are available in both prescription and non-prescription forms. The different brands of pancreatic enzyme products are not identical. All prescription pancreatic enzyme products are regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure their effectiveness, safety and manufacturing consistency.
Over-the-counter pancreatic enzyme supplements are available without a prescription. Since they are classified as dietary supplements rather than drugs, the FDA does not control their production. While manufacturers of over-the-counter supplements are required to ensure the safety of their products, there are no controls on manufacturing consistency from one batch to the next. Therefore, these products are not recommended for use in patients with pancreatic cancer.
The recommended type and dosage of pancreatic enzymes must be individualized for each person. Most people should start off by taking 10,000 – 20,000 lipase units with snacks and 20,000 – 40,000 lipase units with meals. Patients should not exceed 2,500 lipase units per kilogram of body weight per meal (assuming 4 meals per day). For example, a person that weighs 150 pounds (68kg) could safely take up to 170,000 units of lipase at one meal. Some individuals adapt to different doses of enzymes throughout their care. It is important to discuss with a doctor or dietitian the appropriate type and dose of pancreatic enzymes at regular visits.
Prescription Pancreatic Enzymes
All prescription enzymes come from a porcine (pig) source. If a person has allergies to porcine products, consult a doctor and/or dietitian for alternative options.
Approved by the United States FDA:
The doctor may prescribe an acid-reducing medication to help improve the effectiveness of some pancreatic enzyme products. Acid reducing medications include proton pump inhibitors, such as esomeprazole (Nexium®) or omeprazole (Prilosec®), and H2 blockers, such as famotidine (Pepcid®), cimetidine (Tagamet®) and ranitidine (Zantac®). Not all pancreatic enzyme products require an acid-reducing medication for optimal activity. Talk to a doctor, dietitian or pharmacist for advice about whether or not an acid-reducing medication may be beneficial.
Tips to obtain the best results from pancreatic enzymes:
The most common side effect of pancreatic enzymes is constipation. Enzymes may also cause nausea, abdominal cramps or diarrhea, though these symptoms are less common.
Discontinue the use of pancreatic enzymes if any signs of hypersensitivity or allergic reaction appear. Pancreatic enzymes may decrease the absorption of some iron salts. Tell the doctor and registered dietitian about all current medications and medical conditions while discussing the use of pancreatic enzymes.
If taken properly, pancreatic enzymes can help prevent weight loss and control symptoms associated with pancreatic enzyme insufficiency. Ask the doctor to prescribe the proper pancreatic enzymes for you.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to replace any guidance from your healthcare practitioner. Please discuss with your doctor or specialist if you intend to take any supplement to complement your treatment.
What are pancreatic enzymes?
Pancreatic enzymes help break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates. A normally functioning pancreas secretes about 8 cups of pancreatic juice into the duodenum, daily. This fluid contains pancreatic enzymes to help with digestion and bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid as it enters the small intestine.
Types of Pancreatic Enzymes and Their Effects
1. Lipase
Effects: Lipase works with bile from the liver to break down fat molecules so they can be absorbed and used by the body.
Shortage may cause: Lack of needed fats and fat-soluble vitamins; Diarrhea and/or fatty stools.
Protease
Effects: Proteases break down proteins. They help keep the intestine free of parasites such as bacteria, yeast and protozoa.
Shortage may cause: Allergies or the formation of toxic substances due to incomplete digestion of proteins and increased risk for intestinal infections.
2. Amylase
Effects: Amylase breaks down carbohydrates (starch) into sugars which are more easily absorbed by the body. This enzyme is also found in saliva.
Shortage may cause: Diarrhea due to the effects of undigested starch in the colon.
Reasons to Take Pancreatic Enzymes
Pancreatic insufficiency is the inability of the pancreas to secrete the enzymes needed for digestion. Having an insufficient amount of pancreatic enzymes is very common among people with pancreatic cancer. When the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes to break down food, pancreatic enzyme products are needed. Doctors sometimes prescribe digestive enzymes, including pancreatic enzymes, to patients who have conditions that cause poor absorption. These products help improve digestion and absorption of food.
Therefore, we recommend that every physician treating PC patients, being an oncologist, surgeon, or gastroenterologist, should look for signs of malnutrition, and in the case of suspicion, refer the patient to a clinical nutrition specialist to implement prophylactic nutritional monitoring and/or counselling. During counselling, patients should be guided into self-management of PERT (pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy), in order to learn how to optimise PERT to their needs and their diet."
Some of the conditions that may cause pancreatic insufficiency include surgery (Whipple procedure or total pancreatectomy), blockage or narrowing of the pancreatic or biliary duct (the tubes that carry pancreatic juice or bile), pancreatic or duodenal tumors, cystic fibrosis or pancreatitis.
Some of the symptoms associated with pancreatic enzyme insufficiency include:
- feelings of indigestion
- cramping after meals
- large amounts of gas
- foul smelling gas or stools
- floating or greasy/fatty stools
- light-colored, yellow or orange stools
- frequent stools
- loose stools
- weight loss
About 25% of patients who have the Whipple procedure will have long-term malabsorption and will need to take supplemental enzymes for life. Other patients may need enzymes for a few months or years after surgery. Patients who have radiation therapy along with the Whipple procedure are much more likely to have long-term malabsorption. Fat absorption usually does not return to normal in these patients even if they are taking enzyme replacement products. In this case, the goal is to eliminate diarrhea, restore adequate nutrition and prevent weight loss.
MCT (Medium Chain Triglyceride) oil may help control weight loss in patients with uncontrolled malabsorption. MCT oil is a calorie-rich type of fat that bypasses usual fat absorption and is rapidly absorbed by the body. It is found naturally in coconut oil, palm kernel oil and butter. MCT oil is added to some medical nutritional supplements and can also be purchased alone as a nutritional supplement. Use of oral nutritional supplements may promote weight gain, help increase strength and physical activity, and improve quality of life.
In patients with unresectable (non-operable) cancer in the head of the pancreas, bile duct and/or pancreatic duct obstructions are common. For these patients, a combination of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, nutritional counseling and drainage of the bile duct can prevent weight loss and improve symptoms.
Sources of Supplemental Pancreatic Enzymes
Pancreatic enzyme products are available in both prescription and non-prescription forms. The different brands of pancreatic enzyme products are not identical. All prescription pancreatic enzyme products are regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure their effectiveness, safety and manufacturing consistency.
Over-the-counter pancreatic enzyme supplements are available without a prescription. Since they are classified as dietary supplements rather than drugs, the FDA does not control their production. While manufacturers of over-the-counter supplements are required to ensure the safety of their products, there are no controls on manufacturing consistency from one batch to the next. Therefore, these products are not recommended for use in patients with pancreatic cancer.
The recommended type and dosage of pancreatic enzymes must be individualized for each person. Most people should start off by taking 10,000 – 20,000 lipase units with snacks and 20,000 – 40,000 lipase units with meals. Patients should not exceed 2,500 lipase units per kilogram of body weight per meal (assuming 4 meals per day). For example, a person that weighs 150 pounds (68kg) could safely take up to 170,000 units of lipase at one meal. Some individuals adapt to different doses of enzymes throughout their care. It is important to discuss with a doctor or dietitian the appropriate type and dose of pancreatic enzymes at regular visits.
Prescription Pancreatic Enzymes
All prescription enzymes come from a porcine (pig) source. If a person has allergies to porcine products, consult a doctor and/or dietitian for alternative options.
Approved by the United States FDA:
- CREON® capsules
- Pancreaze® capsules
- Pertzye® capsules
- Viokace® capsules
- Zenpep® capsules
The doctor may prescribe an acid-reducing medication to help improve the effectiveness of some pancreatic enzyme products. Acid reducing medications include proton pump inhibitors, such as esomeprazole (Nexium®) or omeprazole (Prilosec®), and H2 blockers, such as famotidine (Pepcid®), cimetidine (Tagamet®) and ranitidine (Zantac®). Not all pancreatic enzyme products require an acid-reducing medication for optimal activity. Talk to a doctor, dietitian or pharmacist for advice about whether or not an acid-reducing medication may be beneficial.
Tips to obtain the best results from pancreatic enzymes:
- Take enzymes with every meal or snack that contains fat, especially meat, dairy, bread and desserts.
- Start with the smallest dose necessary. Adjust according to the severity of the pancreatic insufficiency. As further alterations may be needed from time to time, it is important to keep an open dialogue with your doctor or dietitian.
- Take the enzymes at the beginning of the meal or snack. This is very important for proper enzyme functioning. When taking multiple enzymes, take some at the beginning of the meal and the rest at various points throughout the meal. Enzymes generally do not work well if forgotten and only taken at the end of the meal.
- Swallow intact tablets and capsules with liquid at mealtimes. Some enzyme products have a special coating to prevent breakdown in the stomach. The tablets should not be crushed or chewed unless directed by a member of your medical team.
- If repeatedly held in the mouth for a length of time, certain pancreatic enzyme products may begin to digest the mucous membranes and cause irritation. This can lead to sores in the mouth, lips and tongue. If swallowing a capsule is difficult, open the capsule and add its contents to a spoonful of soft food that does not require chewing and can be swallowed immediately. Some recommended foods are applesauce, gelatin, pureed apricot, banana or sweet potatoes.
- To promote enzyme function, do not mix the contents of the capsules (microspheres) with milk, custard, ice cream or other dairy products before swallowing. These foods have a higher pH that may dissolve the microspheres’ coating and destroy enzyme activity before they reach the stomach.
- Pancreatic enzymes may have reduced effectiveness if taken at the same time as calcium- or magnesium-containing antacids, such as Maalox®, Mylanta®, Tums®, Rolaids® and others.
- Use enzymes prior to their expiration date; otherwise, they may lose their effectiveness.
The most common side effect of pancreatic enzymes is constipation. Enzymes may also cause nausea, abdominal cramps or diarrhea, though these symptoms are less common.
Discontinue the use of pancreatic enzymes if any signs of hypersensitivity or allergic reaction appear. Pancreatic enzymes may decrease the absorption of some iron salts. Tell the doctor and registered dietitian about all current medications and medical conditions while discussing the use of pancreatic enzymes.
If taken properly, pancreatic enzymes can help prevent weight loss and control symptoms associated with pancreatic enzyme insufficiency. Ask the doctor to prescribe the proper pancreatic enzymes for you.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to replace any guidance from your healthcare practitioner. Please discuss with your doctor or specialist if you intend to take any supplement to complement your treatment.
Related: If you have pancreatic insufficiency, you can buy non-prescription pancreatic enzyme supplement online from Lazada Malaysia.
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