A Cross-Sectional Study on Symptom Burden, Malnutrition Risk, Psychological Distress and Palliative Outcomes in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

This study assessed chemotherapy-related symptoms, nutritional status, psychological distress, and palliative outcomes in 254 adult cancer patients in India. The findings revealed high rates of malnutrition (57.1%), distress (64.6%), and toxicities such as alopecia (36.2%). The study found weak inverse correlations between BMI and nutritional status with palliative burden. The results highlight significant unmet needs in this population, suggesting that targeted nutritional interventions, distress management, and symptom control could improve quality of life for socioeconomically vulnerable patients. The study's limitations include the absence of multivariable analysis for confounder adjustment.