Objective To investigate the relationship between malignant tumorand nutrition. Method Papers since 1996,related to the nutrition and malignant tumor,were reviewed. Results The metabolism in malignant tissue was different from the normal tissues.In malignant tissue,blucose were metabolized by non-oxygen fermentation.High dense lipoprotein level in blood was higher than normal which suggest the use of lipid fusion in these patients should be monitored closely.Several amino acids,such as methionine and asparagine,were essential for the tumor tissue.Some amino acid were consumed leading"amino acid trap".Fifty percent of the patients with malignant tumor had energy protein malnutrition.The cytoimmunity and serum immunoglobulin level were decreased.The Arginine modified total parenteral nutrition preparation may inprove the patients' immunity.Experiment in vivo showed the hGH can modulate the malignant cell cycle phrase to increase the effect of chemotherapy. Conclusion The nutrition status in malignant tumor patient should be assessed,and nutrition supported should be provided individually.