Table 1. Factors associated with malnutrition in cancer patients (1-5).

Systemic inflammatory response (with associated anorexia, fatigue, poor physical function, depression)

Barriers to intake and nutrient absorption

GI tumors as physical barriers, i.e., gastric outlet obstruction or bowel obstruction

Reduced appetite/absorption from systemic inflammation due to tumors

Side-effects of anticancer chemotherapy

Other comorbidities such as IBD, CHF, COPD, CVD, ESRD

IBD, inflammatory bowel disease; CHF, congestive heart failure; COPD; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; CVD, cardiovascular disease; ESRD, end-stage renal disease.