Introduction: Malnutrition is one of the most frequent disorders among cancer patients. It is seen in 50-90% of cancer patients. This high prevalence of malnutrition is very concerning as it is associated with reduced effective treatment, functional status, quality of life and survival. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of malnutrition among cancer patients in a tertiary care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 95 cancer patients in the Department of Clinical Oncology of a tertiary care centre from 25 January 2022 to 25 July 2022. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 1192/2078/79). Convenience sampling was done. Patients were screened using Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment for malnutrition. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Results: Among 95 cancer patients, 22 (23.15%) (15.10-32.90, 95% Confidence Interval) were malnourished. Conclusions: The prevalence of malnutrition was found to be lower than in other studies done in similar settings. Nutritional assessment and support should be an integral part of care for gastrointestinal cancer.

Introduction: Febrile neutropenia (FN) is the most frequent complications reported during cytotoxic chemotherapy treatment. Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) is used to reduce neutropenia and related complications. This study compares short versus long acting filgrastim for reduction of chemotherapy induced FN. Methods: Histologically confirmed solid cancer patients (n=112) receiving either high risk or intermediate risk chemotherapy regimens for FN were randomized into two groups. Group one received filgrastim 300 mcg subcutaneously for five days and group two received pegfilgrastim 6 mg subcutaneously single dose, starting after 24 hours after completion of chemotherapy during each chemotherapy cycle. The primary end point was the occurrence of FN. The secondary end points were number of hospital visits, duration of hospital stay and total direct costs of filgrastim and pegfilgrastim. Results: Fifty six patients were analyzed in each group. The incidence of FN was significantly lower in pegfilgrastim group (42.90%) than filgrastim group (69.6%), p<0.004. The mean hospital visits were 1.84±1.93 in filgrastim group and 0.84±1.19 in pegfilgrastim group with 58.90% and 33.90% hospital admission respectively in both groups. The mean duration of stay was 4.14±3.69 days in filgrastim group and 2.36±3.35 days in pegfilgrastim group. The mean cost (Nepali rupees) of filgrastim and pegfilgrastim was 20162.50+6645.37 (US$168.17±55.42) and 32210.71±10429.43($268.67±86.99) respectively. Conclusion: Single dose of pegfilgrastim was significantly better than multiple doses of filgrastim for reducing FN incidence in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.