Impact of Malnutrition on Survival and Treatment-Related Morbidity of Cancer in Children

Background: Malnutrition is a prevalent and severe issue in pediatric oncology, affecting treatment outcomes and survival rates significantly. In developing countries, where access to comprehensive healthcare is limited, malnutrition's impact is even more profound, complicating treatment protocols and increasing morbidity and mortality rates among children with cancer. Objective: To evaluate the effects of malnutrition on survival rates and treatment-related morbidity in pediatric cancer patients, and to assess the efficacy of nutritional interventions in improving these outcomes. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at SKMCH & RC, involving 160 newly diagnosed cancer patients aged between one and eighteen years. Patients were followed from January 2021 through March 2023. Malnutrition was assessed using WHO growth charts and defined using BMI and weight/height Z-scores. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, version 25, focusing on survival rates, incidence of febrile neutropenia (FN), and nutritional status changes over time. Statistical significance was set at a p-value of 0.025. Results: At diagnosis, 42.5% (n=68) of the children were malnourished. After six months, 35% (n=56) remained malnourished, indicating some improvement. Malnourished children showed significantly lower survival rates, with those having a BMI Z-score ≤ -2 at six months post-diagnosis having a mortality rate HR of 4.05 (95% CI= 1.58-6.33, P = 0.009). Children experiencing a weight/height loss of >10% had an HR of 1.98 (95% CI= 1.23-6.91, P=0.04) for increased mortality. Increased episodes of FN were correlated with severe malnutrition (HR 7.32, 95% CI=1.98-10.14, P=0.0007). Conclusion: Malnutrition significantly impacts the survival rates and treatment-related morbidity in pediatric cancer patients. Early and aggressive nutritional interventions can improve survival outcomes and reduce the rate of hospitalizations due to complications like febrile neutropenia.