ONC: MNT Interventions for Cancer Patients (2024-25)
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Intervention
In adults with cancer, what is the impact of nutrition interventions provided by dietitians, compared to no intervention or usual care, on nutrition status?
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Conclusion
Dietitian interventions may improve nutrition status in adults with cancer, particularly head and neck or GI cancer, compared to no intervention or usual care.
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Grade: Low (C)
- Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
- Grade II is Fair;
- Grade III is Limited/Weak;
- Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
- Grade V is Not Assignable.
- High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
- Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
- Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
- Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
- Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
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Evidence Summary: In adults with cancer, what is the impact of nutrition interventions provided by dietitians, compared to no intervention or usual care, on nutrition status?
- Detail
- Quality Rating Summary
For a summary of the Quality Rating results, click here.
- Worksheets
- Dewar S, Porter J. The Effect of Evidence-Based Nutrition Clinical Care Pathways on Nutrition Outcomes in Adult Patients Receiving Non-Surgical Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review. Nutrition and Cancer 2018; 70:404-412
- Kenny E, Touger-Decker R, August D. Structured Review of the Value Added by the Registered Dietitian to the Care of Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients. Nutrition in Clinical Practice 2021; 36:606-628
- Leis C, Arthur A, Chen X, Greene M, Frugé A. Systematic Review of Nutrition Interventions to Improve Short-Term Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients. Cancers 2023; 15:822-834
- Tunzi L, Funk T, Brown T, Findlay M, Bauer J. Optimal frequency of individualised nutrition counselling in patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy: A systematic review. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics 2022; 35:223-233
- Ueshima J, Nagano A, Maeda K, Enomoto Y, Kumagai K, Tsutsumi R, Higashibeppu N, Uneno Y, Kotani J. Nutritional counseling for patients with incurable cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Nutrition 2023; 42:227-234
- Zeidler J, Kutschan S, Dörfler J, Büntzel J, Huebner J. Impact of nutrition counseling on nutrition status in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radio- or radiochemotherapy: a systematic review. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology 2024; 281:2195-2209
- Detail
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Search Plan and Results: ONC: Medical Nutrition Therapy for Cancer Patients (2025)
In adults with cancer, what is the impact of nutrition interventions provided by dietitians, compared to no intervention or usual care, on quality of life?-
Conclusion
In adults with cancer, dietitian interventions may improve or have no effect on quality of life compared to no intervention or usual care, but evidence is uncertain.
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Grade: Very Low (D)
- Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
- Grade II is Fair;
- Grade III is Limited/Weak;
- Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
- Grade V is Not Assignable.
- High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
- Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
- Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
- Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
- Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
-
Evidence Summary: In adults with cancer, what is the impact of nutrition interventions provided by dietitians, compared to no intervention or usual care, on quality of life?
- Detail
- Quality Rating Summary
For a summary of the Quality Rating results, click here.
- Worksheets
- Dewar S, Porter J. The Effect of Evidence-Based Nutrition Clinical Care Pathways on Nutrition Outcomes in Adult Patients Receiving Non-Surgical Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review. Nutrition and Cancer 2018; 70:404-412
- Kenny E, Touger-Decker R, August D. Structured Review of the Value Added by the Registered Dietitian to the Care of Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients. Nutrition in Clinical Practice 2021; 36:606-628
- Leis C, Arthur A, Chen X, Greene M, Frugé A. Systematic Review of Nutrition Interventions to Improve Short-Term Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients. Cancers 2023; 15:822-834
- Tunzi L, Funk T, Brown T, Findlay M, Bauer J. Optimal frequency of individualised nutrition counselling in patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy: A systematic review. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics 2022; 35:223-233
- Ueshima J, Nagano A, Maeda K, Enomoto Y, Kumagai K, Tsutsumi R, Higashibeppu N, Uneno Y, Kotani J. Nutritional counseling for patients with incurable cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Nutrition 2023; 42:227-234
- Zeidler J, Kutschan S, Dörfler J, Büntzel J, Huebner J. Impact of nutrition counseling on nutrition status in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radio- or radiochemotherapy: a systematic review. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology 2024; 281:2195-2209
- Zhang F, Jin Y, Qiang W. The effects of dietary advice on malnutrition in Cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Supportive Care in Cancer 2020; 28:1579-1585
- Detail
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Search Plan and Results: ONC: Medical Nutrition Therapy for Cancer Patients (2025)
In adults with cancer, what is the impact of nutrition interventions provided by dietitians, compared to no intervention or usual care, on hospital length of stay?-
Conclusion
Dietitian interventions may decrease length of stay compared to no intervention or usual care in adults with gastrointestinal cancer, but the evidence is uncertain.
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Grade: Very Low (D)
- Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
- Grade II is Fair;
- Grade III is Limited/Weak;
- Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
- Grade V is Not Assignable.
- High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
- Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
- Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
- Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
- Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
-
Evidence Summary: In adults with cancer, what is the impact of nutrition interventions provided by dietitians, compared to no intervention or usual care, on hospital length of stay?
- Detail
- Quality Rating Summary
For a summary of the Quality Rating results, click here.
- Worksheets
- Dewar S, Porter J. The Effect of Evidence-Based Nutrition Clinical Care Pathways on Nutrition Outcomes in Adult Patients Receiving Non-Surgical Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review. Nutrition and Cancer 2018; 70:404-412
- Kenny E, Touger-Decker R, August D. Structured Review of the Value Added by the Registered Dietitian to the Care of Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients. Nutrition in Clinical Practice 2021; 36:606-628
- Detail
-
Search Plan and Results: ONC: Medical Nutrition Therapy for Cancer Patients (2025)
In adults with cancer, what is the impact of nutrition interventions provided by dietitians, compared to no intervention or usual care, on mortality?-
Conclusion
Dietitian interventions may result in little to no difference in mortality for adults with cancer compared to no intervention or usual care.
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Grade: Low (C)
- Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
- Grade II is Fair;
- Grade III is Limited/Weak;
- Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
- Grade V is Not Assignable.
- High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
- Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
- Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
- Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
- Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
-
Evidence Summary: In adults with cancer, what is the impact of nutrition interventions provided by dietitians, compared to no intervention or usual care, on mortality?
- Detail
- Quality Rating Summary
For a summary of the Quality Rating results, click here.
- Worksheets
- Ueshima J, Nagano A, Maeda K, Enomoto Y, Kumagai K, Tsutsumi R, Higashibeppu N, Uneno Y, Kotani J. Nutritional counseling for patients with incurable cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Nutrition 2023; 42:227-234
- Zeidler J, Kutschan S, Dörfler J, Büntzel J, Huebner J. Impact of nutrition counseling on nutrition status in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radio- or radiochemotherapy: a systematic review. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology 2024; 281:2195-2209
- Zhang F, Jin Y, Qiang W. The effects of dietary advice on malnutrition in Cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Supportive Care in Cancer 2020; 28:1579-1585
- Detail
-
Search Plan and Results: ONC: Medical Nutrition Therapy for Cancer Patients (2025)
In adults with cancer, what is the impact of nutrition interventions provided by dietitians, compared to no intervention or usual care, on weight?-
Conclusion
Evidence suggests dietitian interventions may improve body weight outcomes in adults with cancer, particularly with head and neck or gastrointestinal cancer, or may have no effect on body weight compared to no intervention or usual care.
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Grade: Very Low (D)
- Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
- Grade II is Fair;
- Grade III is Limited/Weak;
- Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
- Grade V is Not Assignable.
- High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
- Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
- Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
- Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
- Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
-
Evidence Summary: In adults with cancer, what is the impact of nutrition interventions provided by dietitians, compared to no intervention or usual care, on weight?
- Detail
- Quality Rating Summary
For a summary of the Quality Rating results, click here.
- Worksheets
- Dewar S, Porter J. The Effect of Evidence-Based Nutrition Clinical Care Pathways on Nutrition Outcomes in Adult Patients Receiving Non-Surgical Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review. Nutrition and Cancer 2018; 70:404-412
- Kenny E, Touger-Decker R, August D. Structured Review of the Value Added by the Registered Dietitian to the Care of Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients. Nutrition in Clinical Practice 2021; 36:606-628
- Leis C, Arthur A, Chen X, Greene M, Frugé A. Systematic Review of Nutrition Interventions to Improve Short-Term Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients. Cancers 2023; 15:822-834
- Tunzi L, Funk T, Brown T, Findlay M, Bauer J. Optimal frequency of individualised nutrition counselling in patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy: A systematic review. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics 2022; 35:223-233
- Ueshima J, Nagano A, Maeda K, Enomoto Y, Kumagai K, Tsutsumi R, Higashibeppu N, Uneno Y, Kotani J. Nutritional counseling for patients with incurable cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Nutrition 2023; 42:227-234
- Zeidler J, Kutschan S, Dörfler J, Büntzel J, Huebner J. Impact of nutrition counseling on nutrition status in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radio- or radiochemotherapy: a systematic review. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology 2024; 281:2195-2209
- Zhang F, Jin Y, Qiang W. The effects of dietary advice on malnutrition in Cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Supportive Care in Cancer 2020; 28:1579-1585
- Detail
-
Search Plan and Results: ONC: Medical Nutrition Therapy for Cancer Patients (2025)
In adults with cancer, what is the impact of nutrition interventions provided by dietitians, compared to no intervention or usual care, on protein intake?-
Conclusion
Dietitian interventions may increase protein intake in adults with cancer compared to no intervention or usual care.
-
Grade: Low (C)
- Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
- Grade II is Fair;
- Grade III is Limited/Weak;
- Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
- Grade V is Not Assignable.
- High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
- Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
- Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
- Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
- Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
-
Evidence Summary: In adults with cancer, what is the impact of nutrition interventions provided by dietitians, compared to no intervention or usual care, on protein intake?
- Detail
- Quality Rating Summary
For a summary of the Quality Rating results, click here.
- Worksheets
- Dewar S, Porter J. The Effect of Evidence-Based Nutrition Clinical Care Pathways on Nutrition Outcomes in Adult Patients Receiving Non-Surgical Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review. Nutrition and Cancer 2018; 70:404-412
- Kenny E, Touger-Decker R, August D. Structured Review of the Value Added by the Registered Dietitian to the Care of Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients. Nutrition in Clinical Practice 2021; 36:606-628
- Leis C, Arthur A, Chen X, Greene M, Frugé A. Systematic Review of Nutrition Interventions to Improve Short-Term Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients. Cancers 2023; 15:822-834
- Tunzi L, Funk T, Brown T, Findlay M, Bauer J. Optimal frequency of individualised nutrition counselling in patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy: A systematic review. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics 2022; 35:223-233
- Ueshima J, Nagano A, Maeda K, Enomoto Y, Kumagai K, Tsutsumi R, Higashibeppu N, Uneno Y, Kotani J. Nutritional counseling for patients with incurable cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Nutrition 2023; 42:227-234
- Zeidler J, Kutschan S, Dörfler J, Büntzel J, Huebner J. Impact of nutrition counseling on nutrition status in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radio- or radiochemotherapy: a systematic review. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology 2024; 281:2195-2209
- Detail
-
Search Plan and Results: ONC: Medical Nutrition Therapy for Cancer Patients (2025)
In adults with cancer, what is the impact of nutrition interventions provided by dietitians, compared to no intervention or usual care, on energy intake?-
Conclusion
Dietitian interventions may improve energy intake in adults with cancer compared to no intervention or usual care.
-
Grade: Low (C)
- Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
- Grade II is Fair;
- Grade III is Limited/Weak;
- Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
- Grade V is Not Assignable.
- High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
- Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
- Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
- Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
- Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
-
Evidence Summary: In adults with cancer, what is the impact of nutrition interventions provided by dietitians, compared to no intervention or usual care, on energy intake?
- Detail
- Quality Rating Summary
For a summary of the Quality Rating results, click here.
- Worksheets
- Dewar S, Porter J. The Effect of Evidence-Based Nutrition Clinical Care Pathways on Nutrition Outcomes in Adult Patients Receiving Non-Surgical Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review. Nutrition and Cancer 2018; 70:404-412
- Kenny E, Touger-Decker R, August D. Structured Review of the Value Added by the Registered Dietitian to the Care of Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients. Nutrition in Clinical Practice 2021; 36:606-628
- Leis C, Arthur A, Chen X, Greene M, Frugé A. Systematic Review of Nutrition Interventions to Improve Short-Term Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients. Cancers 2023; 15:822-834
- Tunzi L, Funk T, Brown T, Findlay M, Bauer J. Optimal frequency of individualised nutrition counselling in patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy: A systematic review. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics 2022; 35:223-233
- Ueshima J, Nagano A, Maeda K, Enomoto Y, Kumagai K, Tsutsumi R, Higashibeppu N, Uneno Y, Kotani J. Nutritional counseling for patients with incurable cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Nutrition 2023; 42:227-234
- Zeidler J, Kutschan S, Dörfler J, Büntzel J, Huebner J. Impact of nutrition counseling on nutrition status in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radio- or radiochemotherapy: a systematic review. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology 2024; 281:2195-2209
- Zhang F, Jin Y, Qiang W. The effects of dietary advice on malnutrition in Cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Supportive Care in Cancer 2020; 28:1579-1585
- Detail
-
Search Plan and Results: ONC: Medical Nutrition Therapy for Cancer Patients (2025)
-
Conclusion