Physical activity levels were positively associated with health-related quality of life functional scores and inversely associated with nutritional risk, sarcopenia risk, and symptom burden in newly diagnosed cancer patients at first nutritional assessment.
Key Findings
Results
Nutritional risk and sarcopenia risk decreased progressively with higher MET levels in newly diagnosed cancer patients.
Nutritional risk decreased with higher MET levels (p = 0.005)
Sarcopenia risk decreased with higher MET levels (p < 0.001)
Data were from the NUTRISCREEN project, part of the ONCOCAMP study (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06270602)
Nutritional and sarcopenia risk were assessed at the first nutritional assessment in patients with a primary cancer diagnosis
Results
HRQoL functional scores improved with increasing MET levels across multiple functional domains in adjusted multivariable models.
Physical functioning showed a significant positive trend with increasing MET levels (p < 0.001)
Role functioning showed a significant positive trend (p < 0.001)
Emotional functioning showed a significant positive trend (p = 0.003)
Social functioning showed a significant positive trend (p = 0.001)
Global health status showed a significant positive trend (p < 0.001)
Results
Symptom burden decreased across MET quartiles for multiple symptoms in newly diagnosed cancer patients.
Symptoms showing significant inverse trends with MET quartiles included fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, dyspnea, insomnia, appetite loss, and constipation
All symptom associations were statistically significant (all p < 0.05)
Analyses were performed using multivariable ordinal logistic regression models
Physical activity was assessed as MET levels through validated questionnaires
Methods
The study collected a comprehensive set of nutritional, body composition, and HRQoL measures at first nutritional assessment in newly diagnosed cancer patients.
Data collected included nutritional and sarcopenia risk, anthropometry, and body composition parameters
HRQoL and physical activity (as MET levels) were assessed through validated questionnaires
Descriptive statistics summarized categorical and continuous variables
Multivariable ordinal logistic regression models were performed for adjusted analyses
Conclusions
Early assessment of physical activity levels in cancer patients helps identify those at risk of inactivity who may benefit from tailored rehabilitation programs.
The authors conclude that early assessment helps identify patients at risk of inactivity
Tailored rehabilitation programs were recommended to promote active lifestyles and preserve muscle mass
The authors suggest physical activity may positively influence HRQoL among cancer patients
Goals of such programs include improving outcomes and overall health status
Porciello G, Crispo A, Di Carlo F, Rocco P, Luongo A, Russo N, et al.. (2026). Physical Activity, Nutritional Status, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients: Evidence from the NUTRISCREEN Project.. Nutrients. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18050844