Nutrition Status and Pediatrics with Cancers: An Updated Review

Abstract

Background: Undernutrition and overnutrition are prevalent conditions among children with cancer, impacting their nutritional status (NS). The factors contributing to these issues include the malignancy itself, the toxicity of cancer therapies, and increased metabolic demands. Undernutrition is particularly concerning due to its association with worsened outcomes, including higher infection rates, reduced treatment efficacy, and poorer survival rates. Despite its significance, nutritional status in pediatric oncology is often overlooked.

Aim:
The aim of this review is to provide an updated examination of nutritional status in pediatric cancer patients, focusing on the pathogenesis of malnutrition, its impact on treatment outcomes, and the importance of proper nutritional management during cancer treatment.

Methods: This review synthesizes existing research on the nutritional challenges faced by children with cancer, including the interplay of disease, treatment side effects, and altered metabolism. Nutritional assessment methods, including anthropometric measurements, biochemical tests, and clinical evaluations, are also discussed. The review further explores the role of the microbiome in cancer treatment outcomes and emphasizes the need for regular and comprehensive nutritional monitoring throughout the treatment and survivorship phases.

Results: The review highlights that undernutrition in pediatric cancer patients arises from various factors, including the tumor's metabolic demands, the inflammatory response, and the side effects of therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Additionally, altered gut microbiome dynamics contribute to malnutrition. The prevalence of undernutrition varies widely, with studies showing it affects a significant proportion of children undergoing cancer treatment. The review also discusses the need for more precise and standardized nutritional assessments to improve patient care.

Conclusion: Nutritional status is a critical determinant of treatment success and long-term health outcomes in pediatric cancer patients. This review advocates for the inclusion of nutritional monitoring as an essential component of pediatric cancer care, recommending more frequent evaluations for at-risk children. Addressing undernutrition and overnutrition can improve survival rates, treatment tolerance, and the overall quality of life for children undergoing cancer treatment.