Nutrition and Aging: a Practicing Oncologist’s Perspective

Abstract

Malnutrition is common in patients with cancer and is associated with a variety of negative outcomes. These can include reduced treatment tolerance and worsened cancer prognosis. Various aspects of aging, including sensory, physical, or psychosocial changes, place older patients at a particularly high risk for malnutrition, and these geriatric factors must be identified early and addressed. Despite the lack of available evidence on the optimal nutritional interventions for older adults with cancer, the oncologist must be prepared to address the common nutritional concerns that arise in both advanced cancer and survivorship settings. While BMI, weight loss, and serum albumin are commonly used as surrogates of malnutrition, the use of a comprehensive screening tool may promote early identification of disrupted eating patterns and allow for prompt intervention. New digital technologies have also demonstrated promise to improve nutritional assessment capabilities. Use of conventional nutritional support in conjunction with novel nutraceutical and anti-cachexia approaches may enhance the effectiveness of interventions and improve our ability to reverse malnutrition-associated alterations in body composition. Future geriatric-focused nutrition research will be crucial in helping guide our patients and effectively addressing their dietary and lifestyle concerns.

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