Pub Date : 2026-01-16DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2026.2615990
Na Li, Hang Chen, Yizhuo Wang, Xinchun Li
{"title":"Letter to the Editor: Association Between Immunotherapy and Overall Survival in Malnourished Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study in Japan.","authors":"Na Li, Hang Chen, Yizhuo Wang, Xinchun Li","doi":"10.1080/01635581.2026.2615990","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2026.2615990","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54701,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Cancer-An International Journal","volume":" ","pages":"1-2"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145991835","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zinc plays a critical role in thyroid hormone metabolism and antioxidant defense, yet its relationship with thyroid cancer remains unclear due to limited and inconsistent evidence from predominantly cross-sectional studies. We conducted a large-scale retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX Research Network to examine the longitudinal association between zinc deficiency (ZD) and thyroid cancer risk over ten years. Among 96,497 propensity score-matched pairs of adults who underwent serum zinc measurements between January 2010 and December 2023, we classified patients as zinc-deficient (serum zinc below 70 μg/dL) or having normal zinc status (70-120 μg/dL), controlling for demographics, comorbidities, preexisting thyroid disorders, and laboratory parameters. While the overall cohort showed no significant association between ZD and thyroid cancer at 5 years (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.93-1.37) or 10 years (HR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.93-1.34), sex-stratified analyses revealed that women with ZD demonstrated significantly increased thyroid cancer risk at both 5 years (HR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.09-1.72) and 10 years (HR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.12-1.71), while men showed no association. These findings suggest that ZD may represent a sex-specific modifiable risk factor for thyroid cancer in women, warranting further mechanistic investigation.
{"title":"Association Between Zinc Deficiency and Risk of Thyroid Cancer: A Multi-Institutional Cohort Study.","authors":"Kuo-Chuan Hung, Ting-Sian Yu, Yi-Chen Lai, Chien-Ming Lin, Chih-Ping Yang, Kuo-Mao Lan, I-Wen Chen","doi":"10.1080/01635581.2026.2613457","DOIUrl":"10.1080/01635581.2026.2613457","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Zinc plays a critical role in thyroid hormone metabolism and antioxidant defense, yet its relationship with thyroid cancer remains unclear due to limited and inconsistent evidence from predominantly cross-sectional studies. We conducted a large-scale retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX Research Network to examine the longitudinal association between zinc deficiency (ZD) and thyroid cancer risk over ten years. Among 96,497 propensity score-matched pairs of adults who underwent serum zinc measurements between January 2010 and December 2023, we classified patients as zinc-deficient (serum zinc below 70 μg/dL) or having normal zinc status (70-120 μg/dL), controlling for demographics, comorbidities, preexisting thyroid disorders, and laboratory parameters. While the overall cohort showed no significant association between ZD and thyroid cancer at 5 years (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.93-1.37) or 10 years (HR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.93-1.34), sex-stratified analyses revealed that women with ZD demonstrated significantly increased thyroid cancer risk at both 5 years (HR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.09-1.72) and 10 years (HR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.12-1.71), while men showed no association. These findings suggest that ZD may represent a sex-specific modifiable risk factor for thyroid cancer in women, warranting further mechanistic investigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":54701,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Cancer-An International Journal","volume":" ","pages":"247-255"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145953479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2025.2567025
Fangzhe Zhou, Lannan He, Meijuan Zhu, Yanhua Zhou, Deng Fan
The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is a valuable tool to assess nutritional status in older adults, but its association with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer risk remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between GNRI and GI cancer risk in the elderly population. Data from 18,889 participants aged 60 and older were analyzed from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999-2020. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between GNRI and GI cancer risk, adjusting for confounding factors including age, sex, race, education, poverty-income ratio (PIR), smoking status, alcohol drinking, hypertension, and diabetes. Potential non-linear relationships were explored using generalized additive models, smooth curve fitting, and piece-wise regression analysis. A significant negative association was observed between GNRI and GI cancer risk (p = 0.005), after fully adjusting for confounders. Participants in the third quartile of GNRI had a 35% lower risk of GI cancers compared to those in the lowest quartile (p = 0.010). Piece-wise regression analysis identified a GNRI threshold of 95.25. These findings provide evidence that elevated GNRI is remarkably associated with reduced GI cancer risk among geriatric individuals.
{"title":"Association Between Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index and Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk in Older Adults: Insights from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2020.","authors":"Fangzhe Zhou, Lannan He, Meijuan Zhu, Yanhua Zhou, Deng Fan","doi":"10.1080/01635581.2025.2567025","DOIUrl":"10.1080/01635581.2025.2567025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is a valuable tool to assess nutritional status in older adults, but its association with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer risk remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between GNRI and GI cancer risk in the elderly population. Data from 18,889 participants aged 60 and older were analyzed from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999-2020. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between GNRI and GI cancer risk, adjusting for confounding factors including age, sex, race, education, poverty-income ratio (PIR), smoking status, alcohol drinking, hypertension, and diabetes. Potential non-linear relationships were explored using generalized additive models, smooth curve fitting, and piece-wise regression analysis. A significant negative association was observed between GNRI and GI cancer risk (<i>p</i> = 0.005), after fully adjusting for confounders. Participants in the third quartile of GNRI had a 35% lower risk of GI cancers compared to those in the lowest quartile (<i>p</i> = 0.010). Piece-wise regression analysis identified a GNRI threshold of 95.25. These findings provide evidence that elevated GNRI is remarkably associated with reduced GI cancer risk among geriatric individuals.</p>","PeriodicalId":54701,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Cancer-An International Journal","volume":" ","pages":"40-49"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145202107","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: Malnutrition is common among patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and may diminish the survival benefits of immunotherapy. We aimed to evaluate the association between nutritional status-assessed using the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) at initiation of first-line therapy and overall survival in patients with advanced NSCLC receiving immunotherapy.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using an administrative claims database. Patients aged ≥18 years who received first-line immunotherapy for newly diagnosed advanced NSCLC between December 2016 and December 2024 were included. GNRI was calculated using the laboratory and anthropometric data closest (within 3 months) to treatment initiation. To examine whether the GNRI modifies the association between immunotherapy as a first-line therapy and overall survival in patients with advanced NSCLC, we used nonlinear multivariable Cox proportional hazards regressions.
Results: Among 2461 patients (mean (SD) age: 70.85 (8.97) years; 81% males), the mean (SD) GNRI was 93.20 (12.93). Using GNRI 100 as the reference, lower GNRI values conferred progressively higher risks of death.
Conclusion: Routine nutritional screening using GNRI and proactive interventions to maintain a GNRI ≥ 100, may improve overall survival in patients with advanced NSCLC receiving immunotherapy.
{"title":"Association Between Immunotherapy and Overall Survival in Malnourished Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study in Japan.","authors":"Maya Shimasaki, Yasutaka Ihara, Shoichiro Yamamoto, Haruki Takata, Shinji Akiyama","doi":"10.1080/01635581.2025.2569118","DOIUrl":"10.1080/01635581.2025.2569118","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malnutrition is common among patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and may diminish the survival benefits of immunotherapy. We aimed to evaluate the association between nutritional status-assessed using the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) at initiation of first-line therapy and overall survival in patients with advanced NSCLC receiving immunotherapy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective cohort study using an administrative claims database. Patients aged ≥18 years who received first-line immunotherapy for newly diagnosed advanced NSCLC between December 2016 and December 2024 were included. GNRI was calculated using the laboratory and anthropometric data closest (within 3 months) to treatment initiation. To examine whether the GNRI modifies the association between immunotherapy as a first-line therapy and overall survival in patients with advanced NSCLC, we used nonlinear multivariable Cox proportional hazards regressions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 2461 patients (mean (SD) age: 70.85 (8.97) years; 81% males), the mean (SD) GNRI was 93.20 (12.93). Using GNRI 100 as the reference, lower GNRI values conferred progressively higher risks of death.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Routine nutritional screening using GNRI and proactive interventions to maintain a GNRI ≥ 100, may improve overall survival in patients with advanced NSCLC receiving immunotherapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":54701,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Cancer-An International Journal","volume":" ","pages":"50-58"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145276732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-10-16DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2025.2569120
Shi-Ling Liu, Xiong-Feng Huang, Xin An, Xiao-Liang Cheng, Hai-Yin Fan, Jian-Feng Zhu, Zeng Xia, Zhi-Sheng He
Background: Accumulating evidence demonstrated that low body mass index (BMI) is associated with adverse surgical outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between BMI and postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission in patients undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal tumors.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis using data from the Vital Signs Database (VitalDB). Patients were stratified into four BMI categories: underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5-22.9 kg/m2), overweight (23.0-27.4 kg/m2), and obese (≥27.5 kg/m2). Demographic characteristics, intraoperative variables, in-hospital mortality, and ICU admission rates were analyzed. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of ICU admission.
Results: Among 2052 patients analyzed, the underweight group exhibited the highest ICU admission rate (24.1%) compared to normal weight (15.2%), overweight (10.5%), and obese groups (14.5%; p < 0.001). Hospital stays were significantly prolonged in underweight patients (11.4 ± 12.9 days, p < 0.001). Logistic regression identified underweight status as an independent risk factor for ICU admission (odds ratio [OR] 1.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-2.64), and it remained an independent risk factor after adjusting for other risk factors (OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.28-3.67).
Conclusions: Patients with gastrointestinal tumors and a BMI <18.5 kg/m2 have an increased risk of postoperative ICU admission and prolonged hospital stays.
{"title":"Low Body Mass Index in Patients With Gastrointestinal Tumors Is Associated With Higher Rates of Postoperative Intensive Care Unit Admission.","authors":"Shi-Ling Liu, Xiong-Feng Huang, Xin An, Xiao-Liang Cheng, Hai-Yin Fan, Jian-Feng Zhu, Zeng Xia, Zhi-Sheng He","doi":"10.1080/01635581.2025.2569120","DOIUrl":"10.1080/01635581.2025.2569120","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Accumulating evidence demonstrated that low body mass index (BMI) is associated with adverse surgical outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between BMI and postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission in patients undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal tumors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective analysis using data from the Vital Signs Database (VitalDB). Patients were stratified into four BMI categories: underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m<sup>2</sup>), normal weight (18.5-22.9 kg/m<sup>2</sup>), overweight (23.0-27.4 kg/m<sup>2</sup>), and obese (≥27.5 kg/m<sup>2</sup>). Demographic characteristics, intraoperative variables, in-hospital mortality, and ICU admission rates were analyzed. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of ICU admission.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 2052 patients analyzed, the underweight group exhibited the highest ICU admission rate (24.1%) compared to normal weight (15.2%), overweight (10.5%), and obese groups (14.5%; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Hospital stays were significantly prolonged in underweight patients (11.4 ± 12.9 days, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Logistic regression identified underweight status as an independent risk factor for ICU admission (odds ratio [OR] 1.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-2.64), and it remained an independent risk factor after adjusting for other risk factors (OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.28-3.67).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Patients with gastrointestinal tumors and a BMI <18.5 kg/m<sup>2</sup> have an increased risk of postoperative ICU admission and prolonged hospital stays.</p>","PeriodicalId":54701,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Cancer-An International Journal","volume":" ","pages":"59-69"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145304355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-09-25DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2025.2564748
Gang Wang, Shengjie Pan
This study evaluates the combined effects of psychological intervention and enhanced nutritional support on the recovery outcomes of postoperative gastric cancer patients. A total of 290 postoperative gastric cancer patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group (145 patients) or a control group (145 patients). Assessments were conducted on nutritional status, sleep quality (PSQI), pain management (VAS), and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30). The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in nutritional status, sleep quality, pain relief, and quality of life compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Specifically, serum albumin, total protein, prealbumin, transferrin, collagen levels, body weight, and the PSQI score all showed significant positive changes (p < 0.05). Psychological intervention combined with enhanced nutritional support significantly improves postoperative recovery, enhancing nutritional status, sleep quality, pain management, and overall quality of life in gastric cancer patients.
{"title":"Combined Effects of Psychological Intervention and Enhanced Nutritional Support on Postoperative Recovery in Gastric Cancer Patients.","authors":"Gang Wang, Shengjie Pan","doi":"10.1080/01635581.2025.2564748","DOIUrl":"10.1080/01635581.2025.2564748","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluates the combined effects of psychological intervention and enhanced nutritional support on the recovery outcomes of postoperative gastric cancer patients. A total of 290 postoperative gastric cancer patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group (145 patients) or a control group (145 patients). Assessments were conducted on nutritional status, sleep quality (PSQI), pain management (VAS), and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30). The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in nutritional status, sleep quality, pain relief, and quality of life compared to the control group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Specifically, serum albumin, total protein, prealbumin, transferrin, collagen levels, body weight, and the PSQI score all showed significant positive changes (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Psychological intervention combined with enhanced nutritional support significantly improves postoperative recovery, enhancing nutritional status, sleep quality, pain management, and overall quality of life in gastric cancer patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":54701,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Cancer-An International Journal","volume":" ","pages":"30-39"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145139437","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-11-13DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2025.2586119
Elvis Obomanu, Tinsae Anebo, Karecia Byfield, Abidemi Akimrinnade, Gabor Varadi
{"title":"Response to the Letter Concerning \"Revisiting the Impact of Obesity on Cancer-Specific Survival in Rectal Cancer-Clinical and Translational Implications\".","authors":"Elvis Obomanu, Tinsae Anebo, Karecia Byfield, Abidemi Akimrinnade, Gabor Varadi","doi":"10.1080/01635581.2025.2586119","DOIUrl":"10.1080/01635581.2025.2586119","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54701,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Cancer-An International Journal","volume":" ","pages":"95-96"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145508112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-11-10DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2025.2541422
Leticia Bornstein-Quevedo, Alfonso Duenas-Gonzalez
{"title":"Fat or Muscle on Carboplatin Toxicity in NSCLC?","authors":"Leticia Bornstein-Quevedo, Alfonso Duenas-Gonzalez","doi":"10.1080/01635581.2025.2541422","DOIUrl":"10.1080/01635581.2025.2541422","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54701,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Cancer-An International Journal","volume":" ","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145482417","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2025.2576212
Émilie Bertrand, Alexis Ross, Eveline van den Heuvel, Andrew C Wood, Amy L Lovell
Malnutrition, including undernutrition and overnutrition, affects survival, treatment response, and quality of life in children with cancer. However, its prevalence, trajectory, and clinical impact remain underexplored. This non-randomized pilot feasibility study evaluated the feasibility of comprehensive nutritional data collection and documented nutritional status from diagnosis through treatment in 38 children (<18 years) with pediatric cancer or Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis in New Zealand (June 2022-September 2023). Anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical data were collected at diagnosis and four follow-up points. Micronutrient abnormalities, including excesses and deficiencies, were highly prevalent, peaking at 3 months post-diagnosis (95%) and declining by month 12 (55%). Patients experienced reduced linear growth (p = .013) and increasing BMI over time (p = .03). Micronutrient status was significantly associated with malnutrition risk scores (SCAN and STRONGkids; p < .001), BMI-for-age z-scores, and weight status (BMI-for-age percentiles). Treatment complications were associated with micronutrient status (p < .001), weight status (p = .016), and malnutrition risk scores (p < .001). Nutritional challenges in pediatric cancer extend beyond weight changes to include micronutrient imbalances and clinical consequences. Routine nutritional assessment and targeted interventions, such as dietary optimization, micronutrient supplementation, and physical activity programs, are essential to improving treatment tolerance, recovery, and long-term health outcomes.
营养不良,包括营养不足和营养过剩,影响癌症儿童的生存、治疗反应和生活质量。然而,其患病率、发展轨迹和临床影响仍未得到充分探讨。这项非随机试点可行性研究评估了综合营养数据收集的可行性,并记录了38名儿童从诊断到治疗的营养状况(p = 0.013)和随时间增加的BMI (p = 0.03)。微量营养素状况与营养不良风险评分显著相关(SCAN和STRONGkids; p p p =。016),营养不良风险评分(p
{"title":"The Nutritional Impact of Childhood Cancer: Insights from a Feasibility Cohort Study.","authors":"Émilie Bertrand, Alexis Ross, Eveline van den Heuvel, Andrew C Wood, Amy L Lovell","doi":"10.1080/01635581.2025.2576212","DOIUrl":"10.1080/01635581.2025.2576212","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Malnutrition, including undernutrition and overnutrition, affects survival, treatment response, and quality of life in children with cancer. However, its prevalence, trajectory, and clinical impact remain underexplored. This non-randomized pilot feasibility study evaluated the feasibility of comprehensive nutritional data collection and documented nutritional status from diagnosis through treatment in 38 children (<18 years) with pediatric cancer or Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis in New Zealand (June 2022-September 2023). Anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical data were collected at diagnosis and four follow-up points. Micronutrient abnormalities, including excesses and deficiencies, were highly prevalent, peaking at 3 months post-diagnosis (95%) and declining by month 12 (55%). Patients experienced reduced linear growth (<i>p</i> = .013) and increasing BMI over time (<i>p</i> = .03). Micronutrient status was significantly associated with malnutrition risk scores (SCAN and STRONGkids; <i>p</i> < .001), BMI-for-age z-scores, and weight status (BMI-for-age percentiles). Treatment complications were associated with micronutrient status (<i>p</i> < .001), weight status (<i>p</i> = .016), and malnutrition risk scores (<i>p</i> < .001). Nutritional challenges in pediatric cancer extend beyond weight changes to include micronutrient imbalances and clinical consequences. Routine nutritional assessment and targeted interventions, such as dietary optimization, micronutrient supplementation, and physical activity programs, are essential to improving treatment tolerance, recovery, and long-term health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":54701,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Cancer-An International Journal","volume":" ","pages":"111-122"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145656382","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-10-09DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2025.2569903
Mohammad Alali, Suha Omran, Wafa'a Ta'an
This study explores the use of nutrition supplements by Jordanian cancer patients regarding symptoms of quality of life. It explores the prevalence of the use of nutrition supplements by cancer patients and the related demographic and disease-specific factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted on cancer patients at three major hospitals in Jordan. A total of 220 participants completed structured questionnaires. The EORTC QLQ-C15 scale was used to collect data on supplement usage patterns and quality of life. Chi-square tests and regression analysis were performed to assess the association between supplement use and QoL outcomes. Supplement use was noted in 65.9% of participants; the most used supplements were vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3. Supplement use was significantly associated with age, gender, income, and education level but showed a positive association between supplement use and improved QoL (p = 0.028). The findings suggest that the use of supplements is associated with improved quality of life among cancer patients in Jordan. It is important to consider integrating patient education and professional guidance regarding safe supplement use into cancer care. Further, longitudinal studies are needed to generalize these findings and to explore the long-term effect of supplements on QoL.
{"title":"Exploring the Relationship Between Supplement Usage and Quality of Life Among Cancer Patients in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Mohammad Alali, Suha Omran, Wafa'a Ta'an","doi":"10.1080/01635581.2025.2569903","DOIUrl":"10.1080/01635581.2025.2569903","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explores the use of nutrition supplements by Jordanian cancer patients regarding symptoms of quality of life. It explores the prevalence of the use of nutrition supplements by cancer patients and the related demographic and disease-specific factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted on cancer patients at three major hospitals in Jordan. A total of 220 participants completed structured questionnaires. The EORTC QLQ-C15 scale was used to collect data on supplement usage patterns and quality of life. Chi-square tests and regression analysis were performed to assess the association between supplement use and QoL outcomes. Supplement use was noted in 65.9% of participants; the most used supplements were vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3. Supplement use was significantly associated with age, gender, income, and education level but showed a positive association between supplement use and improved QoL (<i>p</i> = 0.028). The findings suggest that the use of supplements is associated with improved quality of life among cancer patients in Jordan. It is important to consider integrating patient education and professional guidance regarding safe supplement use into cancer care. Further, longitudinal studies are needed to generalize these findings and to explore the long-term effect of supplements on QoL.</p>","PeriodicalId":54701,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Cancer-An International Journal","volume":" ","pages":"70-79"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145253690","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}