Quality of life and home enteral tube feeding: a French prospective study in patients with head and neck or oesophageal cancer

Quality of life and enteral nutrition

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The quality of life is in essence, the patients' subjective view of their own health status and can add another dimension to the evaluation of a treatment as the enteral nutrition.The recent clinical investigations on this topic are critically summarized in this review.

RECENT FINDINGS

Three areas of potential impact of enteral nutrition on quality of life of patients have been identified: elderly and neurological patients, cancer patients and patients with anorexia nervosa.A major problem is the difficulty to define quality of life, due to the holistic and subjective nature of this dimension. Moreover, many patients require help to complete the forms of the questionnaire. Finally, many factors besides the enteral nutrition can affect the quality of life of these patients, namely the basic condition and the primary disease of the patients.

SUMMARY

Although the enteral nutrition often represents a life-saving procedure, this does not necessarily translate in an appreciation of a better quality of life by the patients.Additional factors as the gustatory deprivation and the loss of social contacts usually associated with eating and the frequent problems related to tube function and tube-feeding represent severe limitations to a good quality of life of these patients.

The sexual impact of cancer and cancer treatments in men

This article presents an overview of the literature on the impact cancer and associated therapies have on male sexuality, interventions to maintain or improve sexual function after cancer, and identification of gaps in health care providers' knowledge of this topic. Normal sexual activity depends on a complex inter-relationship among multiple systems, including psychologic, biochemical, neurologic, and physiologic. Furthermore, there are multiple factors associated with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer that have an impact on male sexuality, including the complex psychologic and symptom burden of the disease and treatments. There are an increasing number of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions to treat erectile function; however, success rates are variable and long-term compliance is generally low. Little study has been devoted to interventions that may improve compliance, such as counseling, or that focus on aspects of male sexuality other than erectile dysfunction.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding in nursing homes: relatives' perceptions

The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of relatives of nursing home residents receiving percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding. Qualitative methodology using semistructured interviews explores the experiences and perceptions of eight relatives. Data are analyzed using thematic analysis. Four themes are constructed from the data: dependence and resulting disempowerment, having minimal or no involvement in the decision-making process for PEG placement, betrayal, and the losses associated with the social aspects of eating. There is a need for professional education about the psychosocial implications of feeding and an increased level of support for relatives to assist them to develop coping strategies. This will require an expansion of current professional roles to include assessment of individual need, setting of appropriate goals, and the coordination of the provision of multiagency services, likely to include counseling and social support. Further research is required in this field to inform service developments.

Short-term nutritional implications of total gastrectomy for malignancy, and the impact of parenteral nutritional support

AIMS

To report on peri-operative nutritional status in gastric cancer patients undergoing total gastrectomy, and to examine the role of post-operative parenteral nutrition.

METHODS

Retrospective study of prospectively collected data on 90 consecutive patients who underwent total gastrectomy for malignancy.

RESULTS

At diagnosis 46% of patients reported clinically severe weight loss, and dietary intake was inadequate in 72% of patients. Post-operatively 42% were given total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and 53% were given intravenous fluids (IVF) alone. TPN patients spent a mean of 13.6 days on nutrition support versus IVF patients who spent a mean of 9.2 days without any form of nutrition. IVF patients lost significantly more weight in hospital than TPN patients (5.2 kg versus 3.1 kg, p=0.008). 69% of IVF patients lost severe amount of weight versus 34% in the TPN group (p=0.01). Post-discharge, IVF patients continued to lose significantly more weight than those given TPN post-operatively (7.5 kg versus 2.9 kg, p=0.01) corresponding to 10.5% of their body weight from discharge to follow up versus 4.9% for TPN group (p=0.014). From pre-illness to follow up, patients lost an average of 15.5 kg--IVF patients lost 17.8 kg versus 9.6 kg in TPN (p<0.01). There was no difference in post-operative complications between the groups; however, patients with >10% weight loss had a significantly higher rate of complications and a significantly higher mortality rate than patients who lost <10% body weight (26.2% versus 51.9%, p=0.036 and 11.1% versus 0%, p=0.027, respectively). On multivariate logistic regression analysis >10% weight loss at diagnosis was the only predictive factor of post-operative complications OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.0-9.6), p=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a high prevalence of malnutrition in gastric cancer patients undergoing surgery. Total gastrectomy is associated with dramatic weight loss, which continues beyond the surgeon's view post-discharge, with patients losing an average of 15.5 kg by 3-month follow up. Provision of nutrition support in the form of TPN post-operatively significantly reduces in-hospital weight loss and also helps to attenuate further weight loss post-discharge.

Home percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding: perceptions of patients, carers, nurses and dietitians

AIM

This paper is a report of a study to compare the perceptions of adult patients, family carers, nurses and dietitians regarding home percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding.

BACKGROUND

Healthcare professionals have a major role in patient selection for gastrostomy placement and the provision of aftercare but it is not clear if patients, their carers and healthcare professionals have similar perceptions of the initiation and delivery of feeding and of the care in general.

METHOD

A cross-sectional mixed-method study using purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews and questionnaires was performed. Interviews were undertaken during 2005 with adult patients and carers of adults receiving home feeding. A questionnaire containing comparable questions was distributed to the lead district nurse and dietitian providing the individual patient's care. Binomial regression was used to analyse any differences in perceptions across the groups of respondents.

RESULTS

Nurses and dietitians had similar perceptions of gastrostomy feeding in adults. Family carers' perceptions matched those of professionals more closely than did those of patients. The greatest difference in perceptions was between patients and their family carers. Respondents' views about success of feeding and the appropriateness of the feeding regimen were similar, but greater differences existed regarding quality of life, withdrawal of feeding and choice in decision-making about tube placement.

CONCLUSION

There is a need for increased patient and carer involvement in decision-making and for sufficient, appropriate information to facilitate informed decision-making. Practitioners who involve carers in decision-making, where patients lack capacity, need to be aware that carers may not represent the views of patients.

The impact of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding upon daily life in adults

BACKGROUND

The provision of home enteral tube feeding in adults has increased in the UK. This study explored how percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding impacts on daily lives of adult patients, from the patients' and carers' perspectives.

METHODS

A semi-structured interview approach was developed to obtain participants' views of the impact of living with a PEG. A cross-sectional qualitative purposive sampling design was employed. Thirty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted (15 adult patients and 19 carers) and data were analysed descriptively and thematically.

RESULTS

Difficulties arising from PEG feeding included vomiting, diarrhoea, infection of the PEG site and leakage. The key issues that emerged included relief of pressure to consume an oral diet, disturbed sleep, restricted ability to go out, restricted choice of clothing, difficulties finding a place to feed, missing being able to eat and drink, social occasions, negative attitudes of others towards feeding and the burden placed on family members.

CONCLUSIONS

The key themes that emerged from participants were diverse and highlight a need for increased social support for both patients and their carers, planned on an individual basis.

ESPEN Guidelines on Enteral Nutrition: Non-surgical oncology

Enteral nutrition (EN) by means of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) and tube feeding (TF) offers the possibility of increasing or ensuring nutrient intake in cases where normal food intake is inadequate. These guidelines are intended to give evidence-based recommendations for the use of ONS and TF in cancer patients. They were developed by an interdisciplinary expert group in accordance with officially accepted standards, are based on all relevant publications since 1985 and were discussed and accepted in a consensus conference. Undernutrition and cachexia occur frequently in cancer patients and are indicators of poor prognosis. EN should be started if undernutrition already exists or if food intake is markedly reduced for more than 7-10 days. Standard formulae are recommended for EN. Nutritional needs generally are comparable to non-cancer subjects. In cachectic patients metabolic modulators such as progestins, steroids and possibly eicosapentaenoic acid may help to improve nutritional status. EN is indicated preoperatively for 5-7 days in cancer patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. During radiotherapy of head/neck and gastrointestinal regions dietary counselling and ONS prevent weight loss and interruption of radiotherapy. Routine EN is not indicated during (high-dose) chemotherapy.

Experience of 6 years with home enteral nutrition in an area of Spain

OBJECTIVE

The wide spread use of long-term enteral nutrition and the substantive costs dictate a need to study outcome, clinical and epidemiological characteristics of these patients. The aim of our study was to analyze incidence and characteristics of a cohort of patients on HEN during 6 years, after our previous pilot study of 3 years.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Tertiary care.

SUBJECTS

Between January 1999 and December 2004, all adult patients living in Valladolid West area who were discharged from the hospital on HEN were prospectively studied and followed up.

INTERVENTIONS

Information for each patient was prospectively recorded by the dietitian of the team, and include age, sex, body mass index, tricipital skinfold, midarm circumference, underlying disease, exitus, dates of initiation and discontinuation of HEN, nutrient formula, mode of administration and complications of HEN. During HEN, physicians supervised the home patients and the patients themselves or their close relative, were asked to contact our nutrition team if any problem occurred. Finally the yearly incidence of HEN was calculated each year on the basis of the estimated population in our area of recruitment, assuming almost all HEN patients were reported.

RESULTS

In our previous study, incidence of HEN in 1999 was patients 15 per 100,000 inhabitants, 21.3 in 2000 and decreased to 9.52 in 2001. In the new 3 years, the incidence remained in the mean levels of 1999 and 2000, the data were 17.1 per 100,000 inhabitants 26.5 in 2003 and 25.6 in 2004. The mean age of all patients was 56.4+/-17 years. The distribution of patients by diseases was; (43.8%) had a head and neck cancer, (26.8%) had human immunodeficiency virus infection, (9.6%) had a neurological disorders affecting swallowing (cerebrovacular accident and/or dementia), (4.7%) had diseases in digestive tract (fistulae, pancreatic disease, inflammatory bowel disease), (2.5%) had tumors in different locations with anorexia, (5%) had head trauma, and (7.6%) had one of several miscellaneous diseases inducing dysphagia or anorexia. HEN was administered via oral in 258 patients (70.6%) (group I), via a NGT in 95 patients (26.1%), a PEG in 9 patients (2.5%), and a jejunostomy in 3 patients (0.8%) (group II=107 patients). During the course of HEN, 12 patients had diarrhea (3.3%) and 8 (2.2%) constipation, and 4 vomiting (1.1%) that did not require cessation of HEN. No lung aspiration was detected. Hypernatremia (sodium >145 meq/l) appeared only in six cases (1.64%) and 12 cases of hyperglycaemia (3.28%). Ten patients (2.8%) reported a least one problem with the tube. The mean duration of HEN was 148.2+/-104 days. After the follow-up, 19 of the 365 patients (5.2%) had died, 346 (94.8%) were alive. In multivariant analysis, an independent factor associated with death was age (hazard ratio: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.06-1.39), adjusted by sex, route and diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

HEN has a high incidence in our area and it is a valid and safe technique for nutrition support.

Multiple primary carcinomas with esophageal squamous cell cancer: clinicopathologic outcome

The incidence of multiple primary carcinomas (MPCs) associated with esophageal cancer has increased. The purpose of this study was to analyze clinicopathologic findings for MPC and for only esophageal cancer (OEC). Of 157 patients with MPCs, 60 had synchronous cancer and 97 metachronous cancer. Another 42 patients had antecedent esophageal cancer (AEC), and 55 patients had subsequent esophageal cancer (SEC). We retrospectively analyzed the clincopathologic findings for patients in these categories. The incidence of early-stage carcinoma was higher in patients with MPCs than in those with an OEC. Of patients with MPCs, those with metachronous cancer had a higher rate of early-stage carcinoma than those with synchronous cancer. The 5-year survival rates were not significantly different for MPC and OEC patients. Patients with metachronous cancer had a significantly better prognosis than those with synchronous cancer (p = 0.017); and in the metachronous cancer group the prognosis was significantly better for patients with AEC than for those with SEC (p = 0.0005). Meticulous follow-up after treatment of a first cancer should be required to detect other early-stage carcinomas.

Nutritional support strategies for malnourished cancer patients

A large body of evidence exists, which demonstrates the importance of nutritional support in cancer. The nutritional needs of patients with cancer may differ from those of the healthy population due to hypermetabolism, impaired organ function, increased nutrient losses and therapy-related malnutrition. Patients with cancer often have increased requirements for both macro- and micronutrients due to long periods of undernutrition prior to diagnosis. The aim of nutritional support should be the prevention or reversal of malnutrition, and this should be initiated as early as possible to improve outcomes. Oral supplementation is a simple, non-invasive method of increasing the nutrient intake of those patients who are unable to meet nutritional requirements, despite dietary counselling. Enteral tube feeding is indicated for patients who are unable to meet their nutritional needs by oral intake alone, and has been shown to improve clinical outcomes. Novel approaches in oral supplementation include the use of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a compound under investigation for its role in preventing and treating cancer-associated malnutrition. Individual studies suggest that EPA attenuates cancer-associated wasting and improves immune function. In addition, it has been shown to have anti-tumour effects and improve clinical outcomes. However, results are not consistent for all patient groups and further research is required.

Cancer-associated malnutrition

Malnutrition is a common problem among patients with cancer, affecting up to 85% of patients with certain cancers (e.g. pancreas). In severe cases, malnutrition can progress to cachexia, a specific form of malnutrition characterised by loss of lean body mass, muscle wasting, and impaired immune, physical and mental function. Cancer cachexia is also associated with poor response to therapy, increased susceptibility to treatment-related adverse events, as well as poor outcome and quality of life. Cancer cachexia is a complex, multifactorial syndrome, which is thought to result from the actions of both host- and tumour-derived factors, including cytokines involved in a systemic inflammatory response to the tumour. Early intervention with nutritional supplementation has been shown to halt malnutrition, and may improve outcome in some patients. However, increasing nutritional intake is insufficient to prevent the development of cachexia, reflecting the complex pathogenesis of this condition. Nutritional supplements containing anti-inflammatory agents, for example the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) eicosapentanoic acid (EPA), have been shown to be more beneficial to malnourished patients than nutritional supplementation alone. EPA has been shown to interfere with multiple mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer cachexia, and in clinical studies, has been associated with reversal of cachexia and improved survival.

Nutritional challenges in head and neck cancer

In head and neck cancer patients malnutrition impacts on quality of life, complications of therapy and also prognosis, in part via altered immunity. Dysphagia assessment is extremely valuable but more work is needed to optimize the rehabilitation of the incompetent swallow in this particular patient group. Proper nutritional assessment is mandatory pre-/peri-/post-treatment. The range and palatability of nutritional supplements has greatly increased over the past few years. Many of the early problems of percutaneous gastrostomy feeding have been addressed but complication rates still remain high. As accelerated radiotherapy and chemoradiation techniques become more widely advocated, nutrition is likely to become increasingly important. The authorship includes two otolaryngologists, a nutritionist and a speech and language therapist with an interest in head and neck dysphagia, thereby aiming to provide a broad perspective of these issues. However, there appears to be a lack of prospective evaluation of many aspects of dysphagia/nutrition in head and neck cancer, which needs to be addressed.

Cancer: disease and nutrition are key determinants of patients' quality of life

GOALS OF WORK

The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate quality of life (QoL), nutritional status and dietary intake taking into account the stage of disease and therapeutic interventions, (2) to determine potential interrelationships, and (3) to quantify the relative contributions of the cancer, nutrition and treatments on QoL.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this prospective cross-sectional study conducted in 271 head and neck, oesophagus, stomach and colorectal cancer patients, the following aspects were evaluated: QoL (EORTC-QLQ C30), nutritional status (percent weight loss over the previous 6 months), usual diet (comprehensive diet history), current diet (24-h recall) and a range of clinical variables.

MAIN RESULTS

Usual and current intakes differed according to the site of the tumour ( P=0.02). Patients with stage III/IV disease showed a significant reduction from their usual energy/protein intake ( P=0.001), while their current intakes were lower than in patients with stage I/II disease ( P=0.0002). Weight loss was greater in patients with stage III/IV disease than in those with stage I/II disease ( P=0.001). Estimates of effect size revealed that QoL function scores were determined in 30% by cancer location, in 20% by nutritional intake, in 30% by weight loss, in 10% by chemotherapy, in 6% by surgery, in 3% by disease duration and in 1% by stage of disease. Likewise in the case of symptom scales, 41% were attributed to cancer location, 22% to stage, 7% to nutritional intake, 7% to disease duration, 4% to surgery, 1% to weight loss and 0.01% to chemotherapy. Finally for single items, 30% were determined by stage, 20% by cancer location, 9% by intake, 4% by surgery, 3% by weight loss, 3% by disease duration and 1% by chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Although cancer stage was the major determinant of patients' QoL globally, there were some diagnoses for which the impact of nutritional deterioration combined with deficiencies in nutritional intake may be more important than the stage of the disease process.

Quality of life and nutritional state in patients on home enteral tube feeding

OBJECTIVE

We assessed quality of life (QOL) in patients on home enteral tube feeding (HETF). The data should contribute to ethically justified decision making.

METHODS

We used a prospective cross-sectional study (study 1) in 155 consecutive patients and a prospective longitudinal study (study 2) with a follow-up of 4 mo in 56 patients. QOL was assessed by proxy rating (Karnofsky and Spitzer indices) and self-rating (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer [EORTC] QLQ C30) extended by a specific module.

RESULTS

In study 1, weight losses 3 mo before HETF were 10.5 +/- 8.4% and 7.9 +/- 6.3% in competent (P < 0.05) and non-competent (P < 0,05) patients, respectively. The prevalences of severe malnutrition and weight loss were 50% and 73%, respectively. When compared with EORTC reference data for a general population, QOL was lower in HETF patients. The lowest QOL was seen in non-competent patients. Nutrition status explained up to 13% of the variance in QOL. In study 2, nutrition status stabilized or increased slightly in response to HETF. This was true for competent and non-competent patients and for patients with malignant and benign diseases. Concomitantly, physical functioning improved, whereas fatigue decreased. QOL increased in response to HETF in competent and non-competent patients, and 50% of the non-competent patients became competent

CONCLUSIONS

. Measures of QOL research can be used in HETF patients. QOL is reduced in patients on HETF. Part of this effect is explained by malnutrition. HETF can prevent further weight loss and improve some aspects of QOL, thus allowing physicians to focus on patients.

Does nutrition influence quality of life in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy?

PURPOSE

To investigate in cancer patients referred for radiotherapy (RT): (1) quality of life (QoL), nutritional status and nutrient intake, at the onset and at the end of RT; (2) whether individualised nutritional counselling, despite symptoms, was able to enhance nutrient intake over time and whether the latter influenced the patient's QoL; and (3) which symptoms may anticipate poorer QoL and/or reduced nutritional intake.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred and twenty-five patients with tumours of the head-neck/gastrointestinal tract (high-risk: HR), prostate, breast, lung, brain, gallbladder, uterus (low-risk: LR) were evaluated before and at the end of RT. Nutritional status was evaluated by Ottery's Subjective Global Assessment, nutritional intake by a 24-h recall food questionnaire and QoL by two instruments: EUROQOL and the European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ)-C30.

RESULTS

Baseline malnutrition was prevalent in HR vs. LR (P=0.02); nutritional intake was associated with nutritional status (P=0.007); the latter did not change significantly during RT. In LR, baseline energy intake was higher than EER (P=0.001), and higher than HR' intake (P=0.002); the latter increased (P<0.03), in spite of symptom increase anew and/or in severity (P=0.0001). According to both instruments, QoL was always better in LR vs. HR (P=0.01); at the end of RT, QoL improvement in HR was correlated with increased nutritional intake (P=0.001), both remained stable in LR.

CONCLUSIONS

Individualised nutritional counselling accounting for nutritional status and clinical condition, was able to improve nutritional intake and patients' QoL, despite self-reported symptoms.

Enteral nutritional support of the patient with cancer: route and role

Malnutrition is a common and significant problem in patients with cancer. Enteral nutrition support is an important therapy and is preferred over parenteral nutrition in the setting of a functional gastrointestinal tract. Familiarity with the indications for enteral support, the choice of an enteral access device, and the selection of an enteral formula are critical for the care of patients with cancer and malnutrition. Enteral nutrition has proven efficacy in patients receiving radiation to the head and neck, those with persistent dysphagia, and critically ill patients with impaired gastric emptying. Placement of feeding tubes through the nose or percutaneously provides a mechanism to deliver nutrients when proximal obstructions or oropharyngeal dysphagia prevent adequate oral intake. Direct access to the jejunum can be safely obtained endoscopically and is very useful in patients who require enteral nutrition support following a gastrectomy or esophagectomy or have impaired gastric emptying. Standard polymeric formulas are appropriate for most patients. Specialized formulas designed to enhance immune function may decrease infectious complications but do not improve survival.

Psychological distress in cancer patients: hypothesis of a distress model

A substantial body of research suggests links between stress, coping and cancer. Research also implicates the immune system as a link between stressful events and cancer. The current trend in research in the area of psycho-oncology attempts to define the types of stress and coping mechanisms being used in order to identify predictors of psychological distress. Based on the available review of literature, the impact of distress does seem to play a prominent role in the transition from a state of health to that of ill-health or even a terminal event. In the light of these studies, a distress model for the cancer patient has been hypothesized here.