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Perioperative Immunonutrition in Patients Undergoing Lung Cancer Surgery: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

Werblińska A, Skrzypczak PJ, Roszak M, Bryl M, Piwkowski C, Gabryel P

Nutrients, 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and surgical resection is the primary curative treatment for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients undergoing lung cancer surgery are frequently affected by malnutrition, systemic inflammation, sarcopenia, and cancer-related cachexia, which may adversely affect postoperative recovery and clinical outcomes. Perioperative immunonutrition has been proposed as a strategy to support immune and metabolic responses associated with surgical stress. This narrative review summarizes current evidence regarding the role of perioperative immunonutrition in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery. Methods: This narrative review summarizes current evidence regarding perioperative immunonutrition in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery. Relevant studies evaluating perioperative immunonutrition, including formulations enriched with arginine, omega-3 fatty acids, glutamine, and nucleotides, were analyzed. Particular attention was given to clinical studies in thoracic surgical oncology, perioperative outcomes, inflammatory response, and current nutritional guideline recommendations. Results: Available evidence suggests that perioperative immunonutrition may improve nutritional and immunological status in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery. Clinical studies have reported reductions in postoperative complications, shorter chest drainage duration, improved…

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