Systematic review of nutrition interventions in older patients with cancer: A synthesis of evidence and a future research priority.

Introduction: Older patients with cancer (65 years and older) are a growing population with unique nutrition-and treatment-related issues that accelerate aging. Nutrition interventions attenuate nutritional decline, muscle loss, and risk of malnutrition and sarcopenia in patients with cancer, however the evidence for older patients with cancer is limited. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of nutrition interventions on nutritional status, body weight/composition and clinical outcomes in older patients with cancer and to identify future research priority areas.

The nutrition-related adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment for patients with non-small cell lung cancer: A systematic review.

Aims: Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy used for lung cancer has significantly changed response and survival rates, however, the impact on patients' nutritional status remains largely unexplored. This review aims to identify common adverse events that increase nutrition risk induced in non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and assess impact on nutritional status.

Methods: PubMed, Medline and CINAHL were systematically searched in September 2023 for randomised controlled trials comparing immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment of non-small cell lung cancer to a control group.

Enhancing the provision of cancer nutrition information to support care through experience-based co-design: a mixed-methods study.

Purpose: Nutrition is essential within cancer care, yet patient and carer access to nutrition care and information is variable. This study aimed to (1) investigate patient and carer access and perceptions, and health professional views and practices, relating to cancer nutrition information and care; and (2) co-design interactive resources to support optimal nutrition care.

Methods: Patients and carers completed a survey regarding access to nutrition care and information.

Machine learning models to predict outcomes at 30-days using Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition combinations with and without muscle mass in people with cancer.

Background: Equipment to assess muscle mass is not available in all health services. Yet we have limited understanding of whether applying the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria without an assessment of muscle mass affects the ability to predict adverse outcomes. This study used machine learning to determine which combinations of GLIM phenotypic and etiologic criteria are most important for the prediction of 30-day mortality and unplanned admission using combinations including and excluding low muscle mass.

Access to nutrition services and information after active cancer treatment: a mixed methods study.

Purpose: Evidence-based guidelines for cancer strongly support nutrition and dietetic services for people with cancer and carers in order to improve patient-centred and health service outcomes. Access to nutrition services and information after completing active cancer treatment is relatively unknown in Australia. This study aimed to determine the availability, accessibility, barriers, and preferences to nutrition services and information after cancer treatment in Australia.

Relationship between global leadership initiative on malnutrition (GLIM) defined malnutrition and survival, length of stay and post-operative complications in people with cancer: A systematic review.

Background & Aims: The predictive validity of the GLIM criteria for survival, length of hospital stay (LOHS) and post-operative complications among people with cancer have not been systematically reviewed. This systematic review aims to determine whether GLIM malnutrition is predictive of these outcomes, and whether the predictive validity is affected by how phenotypic and etiologic criteria are assessed.

Methods: Cohort studies published after 2018 were systematically reviewed according to PRISMA guidelines from Embase, Medline Complete and CINAHL Complete.

Co-design of a cancer nutrition care pathway by patients, carers, and health professionals: the CanEAT pathway.

Purpose: Limited practical resources exist to guide optimal nutrition care for patients, carers, and health professionals (HPs). This study aimed to co-design a cancer nutrition care pathway to guide and improve the provision of consistent, evidence-based care with consumers and HPs.

Methods: This study utilised an experienced-based co-design (EBCD) approach over five stages.

Comparison of the prevalence of 21 GLIM phenotypic and etiologic criteria combinations and association with 30-day outcomes in people with cancer: A retrospective observational study.

Background & Aims: The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria require validation in various clinical populations. This study determined the prevalence of malnutrition in people with cancer using all possible diagnostic combinations of GLIM etiologic and phenotypic criteria and determined the combinations that best predicted mortality and unplanned hospital admission within 30 days.

Methods: The GLIM criteria were applied, in a cohort of participants from two cancer malnutrition point prevalence studies (N = 2801), using 21 combinations of the phenotypic (≥5% unintentional weight loss, body mass index [BMI], subjective assessment of muscle stores [from PG-SGA]) and etiologic (reduced food intake, inflammation [using metastatic disease as a proxy]) criteria.

Development and Feasibility of an Inpatient Cancer-Related Sarcopenia Pathway at a Major Cancer Centre.

Cancer-related sarcopenia is a complex condition; however, no cancer-specific clinical model is available to guide clinical practice. This study aims to (1) develop an evidence-based care pathway for the management of cancer-related sarcopenia ("sarc-pathway") and (2) pilot test the feasibility (reach, intervention fidelity, patient and clinician acceptability) of the sarc-pathway in an inpatient cancer ward. The sarc-pathway was developed using a care pathway format and informed by the current literature.

ENhAncing Lifestyle Behaviors in EndometriaL CancEr (ENABLE): A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose: Endometrial cancer is associated with the highest comorbid disease burden of any cancer. The aim of this trial was to assess the feasibility and safety of an allied health intervention during adjuvant treatment.

Methods: A mixed-methods pilot randomized (2:1) controlled trial with concealed allocation and assessor-blinding.

Impact of an allied health prehabilitation service for haematologic patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy in a large cancer centre.

Purpose: Evaluate the impact of a new multidisciplinary allied health prehabilitation service in haematologic cancer patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplant (AuSCT).

Methods: In a tertiary cancer centre, 12 months of prospectively collected data was retrospectively analysed. Patients were referred to an allied health service for individualised exercise prescription, nutrition intervention and, if indicated through screening, psychological intervention.

Patient and carer experiences of nutrition in cancer care: a mixed-methods study.

Purpose: Evidence-based guidelines exist to guide health professionals and services about cancer nutrition care; however, the views of cancer patients and carers are not well understood. This study aimed to understand the experience and needs of cancer patients and carers regarding nutrition care across the care continuum.

Methods: Using a mixed-methods approach, cancer patients and carers completed a cross-sectional online survey and focus groups.

Malnutrition Prevalence according to the GLIM Criteria in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment.

Malnutrition is highly prevalent in people with head and neck cancer (HCN) and is associated with poorer outcomes. However, variation in malnutrition diagnostic criteria has made translation of the most effective interventions into practice challenging. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in a HNC population according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria and assess inter-rater reliability and predictive validity.

Clinical Oncology Society of Australia: Position statement on cancer-related malnutrition and sarcopenia.

This position statement describes the recommendations of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) regarding management of cancer-related malnutrition and sarcopenia. A multidisciplinary working group completed a review of the literature, focused on evidence-based guidelines, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, to develop recommendations for the position statement. National consultation of the position statement content was undertaken through COSA members.

Implementation of a Multidisciplinary Allied Health Optimisation Clinic for Cancer Patients with Complex Needs.

This study examined the feasibility of implementing a multidisciplinary allied health model of care (MOC) for cancer patients with complex needs. The MOC in this retrospective study provided up to eight weeks of nutritional counselling, exercise prescription, fatigue management and psychological support. Implementation outcomes (acceptability, adoption, fidelity and appropriateness) were evaluated using nine patient interviews, and operational data and medical records of 185 patients referred between August 2017 and December 2018.

Awareness, perceptions and practices regarding cancer-related malnutrition and sarcopenia: a survey of cancer clinicians.

Purpose: Cancer-related malnutrition and sarcopenia have severe negative consequences including reduced survival and reduced ability to complete treatment. This study aimed to determine the awareness, perceptions and practices of Australian oncology clinicians regarding malnutrition and sarcopenia in people with cancer.

Methods: A national cross-sectional survey of Australian cancer clinicians was undertaken between November 2018 and January 2019.

Prevalence of malnutrition and impact on clinical outcomes in cancer services: A comparison of two time points.

Background: The prevention and management of malnutrition is increasingly recognised as a significant element of cancer care. By identifying and comparing cancer malnutrition in two large cross-sectional cancer populations, this study aims to provide a greater understanding of clinical characteristics and trajectories relating to cancer malnutrition.

Methods: A multi-centre point prevalence study was conducted in Victoria, Australia at two time points (March 2012, May 2014).

Using a public hospital funding model to strengthen a case for improved nutritional care in a cancer setting.

Objective: This study aimed to measure the prevalence of malnutrition risk and assessed malnutrition in patients admitted to a cancer-specific public hospital, and to model the potential hospital funding opportunity associated with implementing routine malnutrition screening.

Methods: A point-prevalence audit of malnutrition risk and diagnosable malnutrition was conducted. A retrospective audit of hospital funding associated with documented cases of malnutrition was conducted.

A dietitian-led clinic for patients receiving (chemo)radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

Purpose: Malnutrition is prevalent in head and neck cancer patients and is associated with poorer outcomes and increased health care costs. This study aimed to evaluate the acceptability, organisational efficiency and clinical outcomes of a dietitian-led head and neck cancer clinic.

Methods: Two consecutive, independent, patient cohorts were studied with a pre-post-test design of 98 patients prior to the introduction of a dietitian-led clinic (DLC) and the subsequent 100 patients who attended the newly formulated DLC.