Researchers looked at 29 studies involving over 2,200 cancer patients to see if special high-protein nutritional drinks could help them feel better and recover faster. They found that patients who drank these supplements alongside their regular meals had fewer complications like infections and spent less time in the hospital. On average, patients using these drinks stayed in the hospital about 6 hours less than those who didn’t. While these drinks didn’t prevent deaths or reduce hospital readmissions, the results suggest they’re a helpful tool for cancer patients going through surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether special high-protein nutritional drinks help cancer patients recover better and have fewer health problems during treatment
  • Who participated: 2,279 cancer patients from 29 different studies. Patients had various types of cancer including stomach/intestinal, lung, head and neck, liver, and breast cancer. They were getting different treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
  • Key finding: Patients who drank high-protein supplements had about 10 fewer complications per 100 patients compared to those who didn’t drink them. They also spent about 6 hours less time in the hospital on average.
  • What it means for you: If you or a loved one is being treated for cancer, adding a high-protein nutritional drink to your diet may help prevent infections and other complications, and could mean going home from the hospital a bit sooner. However, this isn’t a replacement for regular medical care, and you should talk to your doctor before starting any supplements.

The Research Details

Researchers searched for all published studies testing high-protein nutritional drinks in cancer patients through January 2025. They found 32 publications reporting results from 29 well-designed studies where some patients received the special drinks while others received regular care or a placebo. The drinks contained at least 20% of their calories from protein and patients typically drank them for anywhere from 5 to 365 days.

The researchers combined the results from multiple studies using a technique called meta-analysis, which is like looking at all the puzzle pieces together to see the bigger picture. They focused on four main outcomes: whether patients got complications (like infections), how long they stayed in the hospital, whether they had to come back to the hospital, and whether the treatment affected survival rates.

The studies included patients with different types of cancer who were receiving different treatments in both hospitals and community settings. This variety helps show whether the drinks work across many different situations.

By combining results from many studies instead of looking at just one, researchers can be more confident about whether something really works. This approach is especially important for nutrition research because results can vary a lot between different groups of people. Looking at 29 studies together gives a much clearer picture than any single study could provide.

This is a high-quality analysis because it included only randomized controlled trials, which is the gold standard for medical research. The researchers were transparent about their methods and searched thoroughly for all available studies. However, the studies included different types of cancer patients and different treatment approaches, which means the results might not apply equally to everyone. The researchers were honest about these differences and noted that more specific research is needed for different cancer types.

What the Results Show

The main finding was that cancer patients who drank high-protein supplements had significantly fewer complications. Out of every 1,000 patients, about 101 fewer experienced problems like infections, wound complications, or side effects from radiation. To put this another way, for every 12 patients who drink these supplements, one person will avoid a complication that would have otherwise occurred.

Patients using the supplements also spent less time in the hospital—about 6 hours less on average. While this might not sound like much, shorter hospital stays mean patients can recover at home and reduce their exposure to hospital-related infections.

When researchers looked specifically at supplements that also contained omega-3 fatty acids (a type of healthy fat), these showed similar benefits for reducing complications. This suggests that the protein itself is important, and adding omega-3s might provide extra help.

Interestingly, the supplements did not appear to affect whether patients had to return to the hospital after being discharged, nor did they affect survival rates. This means while these drinks help with recovery and preventing problems during treatment, they don’t appear to change long-term survival outcomes.

The analysis looked at different types of cancer separately. The strongest evidence came from studies of patients with gastrointestinal cancers (14 studies) and lung cancers (4 studies). Patients undergoing surgery or chemotherapy showed the most benefit from the supplements. The supplements appeared to help prevent both infectious complications (like infections) and non-infectious complications (like poor wound healing). Supplements enriched with omega-3 fatty acids showed promise as an enhanced version, though more research is needed to confirm this benefit.

This research builds on earlier findings showing that nutritional support helps cancer patients. Previous smaller studies suggested benefits, but this comprehensive review combining 29 studies provides stronger evidence. The findings align with what doctors already know about nutrition’s role in recovery—protein helps build and repair body tissues, which is especially important when the body is fighting cancer and dealing with treatment side effects. This research gives doctors and patients more confidence that these specific high-protein drinks are worth using.

The studies included different types of cancer patients, different treatments, and different settings (hospital vs. community), which makes it harder to know if the results apply equally to everyone. Some studies were small, and not all studies measured the same outcomes. The supplements varied in their exact ingredients and how long patients used them. Additionally, the research doesn’t tell us which specific patients benefit most—for example, whether younger patients benefit more than older patients, or whether certain cancer types respond better. The researchers were honest that more targeted studies are needed to answer these specific questions.

The Bottom Line

For cancer patients undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy: Adding a high-protein nutritional supplement to your regular diet appears to be helpful and safe. The evidence suggests it may reduce complications and shorten hospital stays. Confidence level: Moderate to High (based on 29 studies with over 2,000 patients). However, these supplements should be used alongside regular medical care and dietary advice from your healthcare team, not as a replacement. Talk to your doctor or nutritionist before starting any supplement to make sure it’s right for your specific situation.

Cancer patients undergoing active treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation) should discuss this with their medical team. Patients who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition may benefit most. Family members and caregivers should know about this option to help support their loved one’s recovery. Healthcare providers treating cancer patients should consider recommending these supplements as part of comprehensive care. People without cancer or those in remission should talk to their doctor before using these supplements, as the research specifically studied cancer patients in active treatment.

The studies tested supplements used for periods ranging from 5 days to over a year. Most benefits appeared relatively quickly—complications were reduced during the treatment period, and hospital stays were shortened immediately. You shouldn’t expect dramatic changes overnight, but consistent use during cancer treatment appears to provide steady benefits. Talk to your healthcare team about how long you should use the supplement based on your specific treatment plan.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily protein supplement intake (in grams and calories) and any health complications or symptoms. Log hospital visits, readmissions, and length of stay. Monitor energy levels and appetite daily using a simple 1-10 scale.
  • Set a daily reminder to consume the prescribed amount of high-protein supplement at the same time each day (for example, with breakfast or as a mid-morning snack). Use the app to log each serving consumed and track whether you’re meeting your daily protein goals. Share your supplement use log with your healthcare team during appointments.
  • Weekly review of total protein intake and symptom tracking. Monthly check-ins with your healthcare provider to discuss whether the supplement is helping and whether any adjustments are needed. Long-term tracking of any complications or hospital visits to see if the supplement is making a difference in your recovery.

This research summary is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Cancer treatment and nutritional needs are highly individual. Before starting any nutritional supplement, especially during cancer treatment, you must consult with your oncologist, primary care doctor, or registered dietitian. Some supplements may interact with cancer medications or treatments. This summary represents findings from research studies but does not guarantee individual results. Always follow your healthcare team’s recommendations for your specific situation.