Malnutrition in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in a single oncology center

Abstract

Background: Cancer patients face a high risk of developing malnutrition due to cancer itself and as an adverse effect of receiving chemotherapy rounds. Objectives: The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of malnourishment in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in an oncology center in Riyadh, to identify the biometric characteristics that are associated with changes due to receiving chemotherapy, and to identify possible associated risk factors affecting nutritional status. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at an oncology center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2018. The scored patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA), which is a global tool used to assess the nutritional status in cancer patients, was distributed among 126 patients, with 116 (92.1%) patients responding, and of which 110 (87.3%) were ultimately selected for participation. We assessed the associated risk factors of malnutrition, and inquired about cancer type, location, age, current residence, and social support. Past laboratory results (albumin, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, and creatinine) were obtained from the patients' records. Results: Fifty-seven of the participants (51.8%) were malnourished according to the PG-SGA scoring system (Class B and C PG-SGA), and the other 53 participants (48.2%) were well-nourished (Class A PG-SGA). Out of the 57 malnourished patients, 39 (68.42%) were moderately malnourished (Class B PG-SGA), and 18 (31.58%) were severely malnourished (Class C PG-SGA). Conclusion: There is a statistically significant correlation between chemotherapy, cancer, and malnourishment. Intervention is required to improve the detection of the condition and increase both awareness and nutritional status of the affected patients.