High prevalence of malnutrition and nutrition impact symptoms in older patients with cancer:Results of a Brazilian multicenter study

Background Malnutrition in cancer is an independent factor associated with negative clinical outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of malnutrition across different age groups in patients with cancer in Brazil and to identify associations with nutrition impact symptoms (NIS). Methods In this observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study, the authors evaluated 4783 patients with cancer aged >= 20 years who were admitted to 45 public hospitals in Brazil. Nutritional status, nutritional risk, and NIS were evaluated using the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment. Results More than one-fourth (25.5%) of all participants were aged >= 65 years. In patients aged >= 65 years, the prevalence of moderate/suspected and severe malnutrition was 55%, it was 45.4% in those aged 51 to 64 years, and it was 36.1% in those aged = 65 years were no appetite (odds ratio [OR], 1.90; 95% CI, 1.62-2.22; P 50 years than in those age

Subjective taste and smell changes in treatment-naïve people with solid tumours

Purpose: Taste and smell changes (TSCs) have been studied in cancer post-chemotherapy (CT) or radiotherapy (RT), and in head and neck (H&N) tumours. They may present as part of a symptom cluster with anorexia, early satiety and weight loss, which can negatively impact nutritional status. This study aimed to examine the prevalence, severity and characteristics of TSCs and their relationship with co-occurring symptoms in non-H&N solid tumours before CT or RT. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted. Forty consecutive pre-treatment cancer patients who attended oncology outpatients over six weeks were recruited. Data on TSCs, symptoms and nutritional status were obtained using the ‘Taste and Smell Survey’ and the ‘abridged Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment’ (abPG-SGA). Weight and height were measured, and BMI calculated. SPSS® was used for statistical analysis. Two-sided P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Most patients were newly diagnosed (70%; n=28). Nineteen (48%) reported TSCs; 9 noted stronger sweet taste and 7 stronger salt taste. Of these, 4 reported stronger and 4 weaker odour sensation. Those deemed at nutritional risk by the abPG-SGA tended to have more TSCs. TSCs were significantly associated with dry mouth (P<0.01), early satiety (P<0.05) and fatigue (P<0.05). Conclusions: TSCs preceded CT or RT in almost half of treatment-naive patients with solid tumours, notably stronger sweet and salt tastes. Most of those at nutritional risk reported TSCs. TSCs were significantly associated with other symptoms. Future research and clinical guidelines with a common terminology for assessment, diagnosis and management of cancer TSCs are needed

Subjective and objective taste and smell changes in cancer

Malnutrition is highly prevalent in cancer patients and an important predictor of morbidity, mortality, treatment response and toxicity. Taste and smell changes (TSCs) are common and may contribute to malnutrition. Research has previously focused on patients receiving chemotherapy (CT) or head and neck radiotherapy (RT). However, TSCs may occur pre-treatment, with other treatment modalities, and in cancer survivors. This review evaluates objective and subjective assessment of taste and smell, discusses the prevalence of TSCs in cancer, and reviews the clinical sequelae of TSCs in cancer patients