Nutrition in the treatment of cancer in children.

Most malnutrition in children is iatrogenic, which, like all iatrogenic complications, ought to be averted. Data showing the consequences of malnutrition on the outcome of the child with cancer is examined, with a recommendation made for taking the nutritional state of such a patient into account. Efficacy of nutritional intervention is discussed, as are the role of micronutrients. On these bases, the suggestion to treat malnutrition in the child with cancer is strongly urged.