Malnutrition in Lung Cancer Patients: New Study Examines Effectiveness of Modified GLIM Criteria

Strategic Insights -

A significant proportion of lung cancer patients may be malnourished, impacting outcomes in those undergoing resection. Researchers from Duke University have conducted a study to examine the effects of malnutrition on patient outcomes using modified Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. The study analyzed data from 37,386 patients who underwent elective lung resection, finding that 52 patients met the modified GLIM criteria for malnutrition, with malnourished patients experiencing longer length of stay.

Key Takeaways:

  • Up to 70% of lung cancer patients may be malnourished, which can impact outcomes in those undergoing resection.
  • The study utilized the modified GLIM criteria, which included BMI, weight loss, and admission albumin levels, to identify malnourished patients.
  • 55.60% of the patients in the study were female, 73.35% were White, and 6.30% were Black or African American.
  • Only 0.15% of patients had data available for all three modified GLIM variables.
  • Patients who met the modified GLIM criteria for malnutrition experienced longer length of stay, with a p value indicating significance.
  • Incorporating GLIM criteria preoperatively could enhance the identification of malnourished patients, allowing for earlier, tailored nutritional interventions.

Statistics:

  • 37,386 patients who underwent elective lung resection were analyzed in the study.
  • 55.60% of the patients in the study were female.
  • 73.35% of the patients in the study were White.
  • 6.30% of the patients in the study were Black or African American.
  • 0.15% of patients had data available for all three modified GLIM variables.
  • 52 patients who met the modified GLIM criteria were identified as malnourished.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Lung Cancer Study Findings Have Been Reported from Duke University [Assessing Malnutrition in Lung Cancer Resection Patients: Modification of Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) Criteria for Implementation in Surgical ...]. World Disease Weekly. September 23, 2025; p 54.
  • Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. Assessing Malnutrition in Lung Cancer Resection Patients: Modification of Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) Criteria for Implementation in Surgical Practice. 2025.