| Sumario: | Simple Summary: Many people with advanced cancer find it hard to eat enough. One reason for this may be inflammation, a reaction in the body that can increase as cancer progresses. In this study, we followed 170 patients receiving palliative radiotherapy and asked them what they ate over several days. We also measured inflammation using a simple blood test (CRP). We found that patients with higher inflammation ate less than those with lower inflammation. They were also more likely to be undernourished and live for a shorter time. Although patients with higher inflammation ate less, we cannot tell from this study whether this is due to appetite or other factors. Keeping track of CRP levels may help healthcare professionals recognize patients who could benefit from extra support. Background: Undernutrition and cachexia are common in advanced cancer and often linked to systemic inflammation. While inflammation is associated with poorer prognosis, accelerated weight loss, and reduced treatment tolerance, its direct impact on food intake remains insufficiently investigated. Aim: To examine the association between systemic inflammation and energy and protein intake over time in patients with advanced cancer. Methods: A total of 170 patients from the Palliative Radiotherapy and Inflammation Study were included. Nutritional status was assessed using PG-SGA SF. Dietary intake was recorded using repeated 24 h recalls. Systemic inflammation was defined as CRP > 10 mg/L. Mixed linear models were applied to evaluate the association between inflammation energy and protein intake over time. Results: Systemic inflammation (CRP >10 mg/L) was present in 87 (51%) patients and associated with significantly lower energy (−3.6 kcal/kg, p = 0.04) and lower protein intake (−0.25 g/kg, p = 0.003). Patients with inflammation were more often undernourished and had shorter survival. Conclusions: Systemic inflammation is likely associated with clinically relevant reductions in energy and protein intake in advanced cancer. CRP may help identify patients for whom standard nutritional support is insufficient.
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