Ovarian cancer and malnutrition: a literature review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Among gynecological malignancies, ovarian cancer is the most fatal, with surgery and chemotherapy being the primary treatment modalities. The nutritional status of patients with ovarian cancer undergoing chemotherapy after surgery remains generally poor, with 76.1% classified as severely malnourished according to the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA), while only 9.0% are well-nourished and do not require nutritional intervention. The high risk of nutritional decline associated with the new treatment modality, poly (ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, has not received sufficient attention. This review examined the factors contributing to malnutrition in ovarian cancer, the adverse effects of malnutrition on treatment outcomes, the importance of regular nutritional screening and assessment, and potential nutritional interventions.

METHODS

A review of the relevant literature was conducted to analyze the prevalence of malnutrition in patients with ovarian cancer, its impact on treatment and prognosis, and the role of nutritional assessment and interventions in improving patient outcomes.

KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS

Malnutrition is highly prevalent among patients with ovarian cancer and is associated with worsened treatment side effects, reduced quality of life, and decreased survival rates. The use of PARP inhibitors may pose an additional risk for nutritional decline, but this possibility has not been sufficiently studied. Regular nutritional screening and assessment are essential for the early detection and management of malnutrition. Nutritional interventions have been investigated for their potential to support patients with ovarian cancer through treatment, but further research is needed to determine the most effective strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

Malnutrition is a major concern for ovarian cancer patients, especially those receiving chemotherapy or PARP inhibitors. Regular nutritional assessment and timely interventions may improve treatment tolerance and overall prognosis. Further prospective studies and large randomized controlled trials are necessary to establish effective nutritional strategies for high-risk patients.