Nutrition in Palliative Care

Dear Colleagues,

Patients with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses often experience malnutrition during palliative care due to disease progression and treatment side effects. Although nutritional counselling and supplementation are the mainstay strategies for addressing malnutrition, numerous systematic reviews have reported mixed results. Irreversible weight loss associated with systemic inflammation and altered metabolism further complicates nutritional management.

Malnutrition profoundly affects patients’ well-being, including psychosocial dimensions. Qualitative research has highlighted that, for patients in palliative care, food is valued not only for its nutritional benefits but also as a source of pleasure and a means of expressing existential meaning. Increasing evidence also indicates that family caregivers often experience distress when patients face eating difficulties, as unsuccessful attempts to improve intake can lead to frustration and family conflict. Globally, healthcare providers are exploring integrative approaches combining nutritional, psychological, and supportive care strategies.

This Special Issue aims to bring together recent studies that enhance our understanding of these developments. We welcome systematic reviews, empirical research, clinical guidelines, and conceptual papers focused on patients, caregivers, or healthcare providers.

We look forward to your contributions.

Dr. Huiin Cheng
Dr. Koji Amano
Guest Editors

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