Abstract

Background and Objectives: Patients with malignancy often have a poor prognosis and dismal quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate whether a combined nutrition, exercise, and psychological intervention could improve these outcomes. Methods and Study Design: In an open-label, randomized controlled trial at the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University (Oct 2021–Jun 2022), 90 patients were assigned (1:1) to a treatment group receiving 6-month cyclic combined assessments and interventions, or a control group receiving assessments only. Body composition, hand grip strength (HGS), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and quality of life were compared at baseline and 6 months. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0, with p <0.05 considered significant. Results: 90 people were enrolled, and 80 people have completed the study. Compared to controls, the intervention group showed significantly lower nutritional risk (10.0 % vs. 100 %, p <0.001) and malnutrition rates (22.5 % vs. 100 %, p <0.001). Significant improvements were observed in BMI, muscle mass, phase angle, HGS, and 6MWT distance (all p <0.001). HADS and PHQ-9 scores decreased (p <0.001). Quality-of-life scores (physical, role, emotional, social function, overall health) improved, while symptom scores (fatigue, pain, nausea/vomiting, etc.) decreased markedly (p <0.05). The control group exhibited opposite trends. Conclusions: Combined nutrition, exercise, and psychological interventions effectively improve nutritional status, physical and psychological well-being, and quality of life in patients with malignancy, potentially enhancing treatment tolerance and promoting rehabilitation.

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