Nutritional Status of Patients with Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study of 1,588 Hospitalized Patients.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the nutritional status of cancer patients according to site or treatment type.

METHODS: We prospectively evaluated the nutritional status of 1,588 patients based on cancer site and treatment type using the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment tool. We also investigated length of stay (LOS), complication rates after surgery and quality of life (QoL).

RESULTS: The patients with esophageal, pancreaticobiliary, and lung cancer had higher malnutrition rates than those with stomach, liver, and colon cancer (52.9%, 47.6%, and 42.8% vs. 29.1%, 24.7%, and 15.9%, respectively; P < 0.05). Patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or supportive care had higher malnutrition rates than those undergoing surgery (35.2% or 68.6% vs. 12.3%; P < 0.05). Among patients undergoing surgery, malnourished patients had longer LOS and tended to have more complications than well-nourished patients (P < 0.05 and P = 0.146, respectively). Malnourished patients had also poorer QoL than well-nourished patients (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Malnutrition complicated more in patients with esophageal, pancreaticobiliary, or lung cancer than in those with stomach, liver, or colon cancer. Patients undergoing CRT or supportive care are more likely to be malnourished than those undergoing surgery. Malnutrition may increase LOS and impair QoL.