Embedding nutrition into routine oncology care: about time?

BACKGROUND

Cancer significantly impacts nutritional status, thereby affecting treatment tolerance, quality of life, and survival. However, nutrition remains underutilized in oncology care.

METHODS

This paper describes current evidence to examine challenges, and propose strategies, for embedding nutrition into routine oncology care across the cancer continuum.

RESULTS

The complexity of cancer-related malnutrition demands simple, validated, and cancer-specific tools for nutritional screening and assessment. Terminology such as "cachexia" and "malnutrition" may not appear positive for clinicians or patients; alternatives like "nutritional fitness" are suggested. Barriers to integration include misconceptions about cachexia as solely end-of-life, poor adherence to clinical guidelines, limited training for oncologists, and lack of access to dietitians. Integration of nutrition into clinical drug trials and perioperative care (e.g., prehabilitation) is essential. Emerging tools like PRONTO and composite indices incorporating body composition and inflammation may offer practical pathways forward.

CONCLUSION

Early and ongoing nutritional monitoring, positive communication, regulatory alignment, and education of all stakeholders, including oncologists, surgeons, and patients are critical to embedding nutrition in oncology. By reframing nutritional care as a core component of treatment rather than supportive care, outcomes can be improved and practice re-shaped.