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Malnutrition Risk Is Associated With All-Cause Mortality and Chemotherapy Complications Among Adults Diagnosed With Diverse Cancer Types: A Retrospective Cohort Study

  • 0Department of Nutrition & Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT; Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT.
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics +

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May 7, 2025

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May 7, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Malnutrition risk significantly increases mortality and chemotherapy complications in cancer patients. Early screening is crucial for better cancer prognosis and patient outcomes.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Clinical Nutrition
  • Epidemiology

Background

  • Malnutrition's impact on cancer patients is understudied beyond specific cancer types.
  • Risk factors for malnutrition are prevalent across diverse oncological populations.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To assess the link between malnutrition risk, identified by the Malnutrition Screening Tool, and mortality.
  • To evaluate the association of malnutrition risk with chemotherapy and radiation complications in oncology patients.

Main Methods

  • Retrospective cohort study (January 2021-April 2024) of 2,859 adult cancer patients.
  • Malnutrition risk assessed using the Malnutrition Screening Tool within one year of diagnosis.
  • Cox regression and logistic regression analyzed mortality and treatment complications.

Main Results

  • Malnutrition risk correlated with a 70% increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR 1.70) across all cancers.
  • Lung cancer patients with malnutrition risk showed a 58% higher mortality risk (HR 1.58).
  • Malnutrition risk increased the likelihood of chemotherapy complications by 49% (OR 1.49).

Conclusions

  • Malnutrition risk is a significant predictor of mortality and chemotherapy complications in a broad range of cancer patients.
  • These findings underscore the critical role of malnutrition screening in cancer care and prognosis.

Keywords:

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