A vibrant tree growing in a barren landscape, symbolizing nutrition's role in cancer treatment.

Nutrition First: How Early Intervention Can Beat Malnutrition in Cancer Patients

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how proactive nutritional assessments at the first oncology visit can significantly improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients."

In the landscape of cancer treatment, where medical advancements often take center stage, a fundamental aspect of patient care sometimes gets overshadowed: nutrition. Malnutrition in cancer patients is not merely a side issue; it's a significant factor that can drastically affect treatment outcomes, increase complications, and reduce survival rates. Recognizing and addressing malnutrition early can transform a patient’s journey, turning a challenging path into one marked by resilience and strength.

The 'Prevalence of Malnutrition in Oncology (PreMiO)' study sheds light on this critical issue, revealing that a substantial number of cancer patients arrive at their first medical oncology visit already facing nutritional deficits. This groundbreaking study emphasizes the need for oncologists to proactively assess and manage the nutritional status of their patients from the outset, integrating nutrition as a core component of cancer care.

This article dives into the key findings of the PreMiO study, exploring why early nutritional intervention is crucial and how it can lead to better outcomes for cancer patients. We aim to empower patients and caregivers with knowledge and practical steps to ensure nutrition is a priority throughout the cancer treatment process.

The Scope of Malnutrition in Cancer: PreMiO Study Insights

A vibrant tree growing in a barren landscape, symbolizing nutrition's role in cancer treatment.

The PreMiO study, conducted across 22 medical oncology centers in Italy, paints a concerning picture of the nutritional status of cancer patients at the beginning of their treatment journey. The study involved 1,952 adult patients with solid tumor diagnoses who had not yet undergone treatment and had a life expectancy of at least three months. Researchers used the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), a visual analog scale (VAS) for appetite, and a modified version of the Anorexia-Cachexia Subscale (AC/S-12) to evaluate malnutrition.

The findings revealed that a staggering 51% of patients had some form of nutritional impairment. Specifically, 9% were overtly malnourished, and 43% were at risk of malnutrition. This means that more than half of the patients were starting their cancer treatment at a nutritional disadvantage. The study also found a positive correlation between the severity of malnutrition and the stage of cancer, highlighting the progressive impact of the disease on nutritional status.

Over 40% of patients reported experiencing anorexia.
64% had lost weight in the six months prior to their first oncology visit.
Malnutrition, anorexia, and weight loss are common, even at the initial visit.
Early assessment and intervention are critical.

These statistics underscore the urgent need for integrating nutritional assessments into the standard of care from the very first oncology visit. By identifying and addressing malnutrition early, healthcare providers can mitigate the adverse effects of cancer and its treatment, improving patients' quality of life and treatment outcomes.

Empowering Patients Through Nutritional Awareness

The PreMiO study delivers a clear message: nutrition is a vital component of cancer care that should not be overlooked. By prioritizing early nutritional assessments and interventions, healthcare providers can significantly improve the quality of life and treatment outcomes for cancer patients. It's time to shift our focus toward proactive, integrated care that addresses the holistic needs of each patient, ensuring they receive the nourishment needed to fight cancer with strength and resilience. Patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals must work together to make nutrition a cornerstone of cancer treatment, paving the way for better outcomes and a brighter future.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.18632/oncotarget.20168, Alternate LINK

Title: Prevalence Of Malnutrition In Patients At First Medical Oncology Visit: The Premio Study

Subject: Oncology

Journal: Oncotarget

Publisher: Impact Journals, LLC

Authors: Maurizio Muscaritoli, Simone Lucia, Alessio Farcomeni, Vito Lorusso, Valeria Saracino, Carlo Barone, Francesca Plastino, Stefania Gori, Roberto Magarotto, Giacomo Carteni, Bruno Chiurazzi, Ida Pavese, Luca Marchetti, Vittorina Zagonel, Eleonora Bergo, Giuseppe Tonini, Marco Imperatori, Carmelo Iacono, Luigi Maiorana, Carmine Pinto, Daniela Rubino, Luigi Cavanna, Roberto Di Cicilia, Teresa Gamucci, Silvia Quadrini, Salvatore Palazzo, Stefano Minardi, Marco Merlano, Giuseppe Colucci, Paolo Marchetti

Published: 2017-08-10

Everything You Need To Know

What were the key findings of the 'Prevalence of Malnutrition in Oncology (PreMiO)' study regarding the nutritional status of cancer patients at their first oncology visit?

The 'Prevalence of Malnutrition in Oncology (PreMiO)' study revealed that a significant percentage of cancer patients already face nutritional deficits when they attend their first medical oncology appointment. Specifically, the study found that 51% of patients had some form of nutritional impairment: 9% were overtly malnourished, and 43% were at risk of malnutrition. This is significant because it demonstrates that cancer patients often begin their treatment at a nutritional disadvantage, which can affect treatment outcomes.

What specific tools were utilized in the 'PreMiO' study to assess the nutritional status of cancer patients, and why were these tools chosen?

The 'Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)', a 'visual analog scale (VAS)' for appetite, and a modified version of the 'Anorexia-Cachexia Subscale (AC/S-12)' were used in the PreMiO study to evaluate malnutrition. These tools enabled researchers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the nutritional status of cancer patients by assessing various factors, including nutritional impairment, appetite levels, and the presence of anorexia-cachexia syndrome. Using multiple tools helped to capture a more detailed and accurate picture of each patient's nutritional condition.

How does the 'PreMiO' study demonstrate the relationship between the severity of malnutrition and the stage of cancer?

The 'PreMiO' study highlighted a correlation between the severity of malnutrition and the stage of cancer. This suggests that as cancer progresses, its impact on a patient's nutritional status becomes more pronounced. Factors such as tumor growth, metabolic changes, and treatment side effects can contribute to increased malnutrition in advanced stages of cancer. This correlation underscores the importance of early nutritional assessment and intervention to mitigate the adverse effects of cancer on a patient's nutritional well-being.

Based on the insights from the 'PreMiO' study, how can healthcare providers integrate nutritional assessments into the standard of care from the very first oncology visit?

Healthcare providers can integrate nutritional assessments into the standard of care from the first oncology visit by using tools like the 'Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)', a 'visual analog scale (VAS)' for appetite, and a modified version of the 'Anorexia-Cachexia Subscale (AC/S-12)'. By identifying and addressing malnutrition early, providers can mitigate the adverse effects of cancer and its treatment, improving patients' quality of life and treatment outcomes. Regular monitoring and personalized nutritional support, including dietary counseling and nutritional supplementation, can also be integrated into treatment plans.

Why is it so important to address malnutrition early in cancer patients, particularly in light of the 'Prevalence of Malnutrition in Oncology (PreMiO)' study findings?

Addressing malnutrition early in cancer patients is crucial because it can significantly impact treatment outcomes, complications, and survival rates. The 'Prevalence of Malnutrition in Oncology (PreMiO)' study emphasizes that many patients already have nutritional deficits at their first oncology visit. Early nutritional intervention, including assessments using tools like the 'Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)' and addressing issues such as anorexia with the 'Anorexia-Cachexia Subscale (AC/S-12)', can improve a patient’s resilience and strength, leading to better treatment tolerance and overall well-being. This proactive approach ensures patients are better equipped to handle the demands of cancer treatment.