Preoperative sarcopenia determinants in pancreatic cancer patients

Evaluation of pancreatic morphometric parameters, exocrine function, and nutritional status and their causal relationships in long-term survivors following pancreatectomy

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing pancreatectomy are at risk for pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and malnutrition. However, the incidence of these complications and the associated risk factors have not been sufficiently examined. This study aimed to investigate the changes in pancreatic morphology, pancreatic exocrine function, and long-term nutritional status after pancreatectomy.

METHODS

We assessed the nutritional status, pancreatic morphologic parameters, and pancreatic exocrine function in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy. Nutritional status was evaluated on the basis of body weight change, body mass index, and skeletal muscle mass. Pancreatic parenchymal texture at the time of surgery, remnant volume of the pancreatic parenchyma, and diameter of the pancreatic duct were measured. Exocrine function was measured using the N-benzoyl-L-tyrosyl-p-aminobenzoic acid excretion test and the clinical signs of steatorrhea and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. We then investigated potential causal relationships.

RESULTS

Seventy patients were included in the study. Moderate and severe malnutrition were diagnosed in 19 (27%) and 15 patients (21%), respectively. Most patients with malnutrition before surgery were also found to be malnourished postoperatively. Body weight and skeletal muscle mass decreased after pancreatectomy in most patients, even in the longer term. Subclinical and clinical pancreatic exocrine insufficiency was found in 36 (51%) and 25 patients (36%), respectively, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, pancreaticoduodenectomy, dilated pancreatic duct, low preoperative body mass index, and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency grade were found to contribute to postoperative malnutrition.

CONCLUSION

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, dilated pancreatic duct, pancreaticoduodenectomy, low preoperative body mass index, and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency were risk factors for postoperative malnutrition.

The ratio of skeletal muscle mass to body mass index combined with inflammatory immune markers to stratify survival of pancreatic cancer after pancreatoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

We sought to combine skeletal muscle index and inflammatory immune markers to stratify long-term survival in patients with pancreatic cancer after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD).

METHODS

A total of 581 patients with pancreatic cancer underwent PD were included, and divided into the training and validation cohort. Image analysis of computed tomography scans was used to calculate the ratio of skeletal muscle (SM) area to body mass index (BMI). Naples prognostic score (NPS) was calculated from blood-test inflammatory immune markers. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to minimize biases of clinicopathological characteristics. To estimate the overall survival (OS), a nomogram was developed using the training cohort. The predictive accuracy of nomogram was estimated by concordance index (C-index), calibration curve, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

After PSM analysis, SM/BMI ratio, NPS, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, surgical margin, tumor grade and adjuvant therapy were independent predictors of OS, which were all assembled into nomogram. The SM/BMI ratio was the best single-predictor for 3- and 5-year OS, with an AUC of 0.805 (95% CI: 0.755-0.855) and 0.812 (95% CI: 0.736-0.888), respectively. Harrell's c-index of the nomogram in the training cohort was 0.786 (95% CI: 0.770-0.802), and the area under ROC curve of 1-year, 3- and 5-year OS prediction were 0.869 (95%CI: 0.837-0.901), 0.846 (95%CI: 0.810-0.882) and 0.849 (95%CI: 0.801-0.896).

CONCLUSIONS

The nomogram based on SM/BMI ratio and NPS had excellent predictive performance, which should be incorporated to conventional risk scores to stratify survival of patients with PDAC after PD.

Role of Body Composition in Patients with Resectable Pancreatic Cancer

This study investigates the role of body composition parameters in patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing surgical treatment. The research involved 88 patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer who underwent surgery at the Modena Cancer Center between June 2015 and October 2023. Body composition parameters were obtained from CT scans performed before and after surgery. The percentage of sarcopenic patients at the time of diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is 56.82%. Of the patients who died between the first and second CT evaluated, 58% were sarcopenic, thus confirming the role of sarcopenia on outcome. The study found that all body composition parameters (TAMA, SMI, VFI, and SFI) demonstrated a trend towards reduction between two examinations, indicating an overall depletion in muscle and adipose tissue. We then evaluated the relationships between fat-related parameters (VFI, SFI and VSR) and survival outcomes: overall survival and progression-free survival. Cox univariate regression model show significant parameter related to outcomes was adipose tissue, specifically VFI. The study found that higher VFI levels were associated with greater survival rates. This research holds promise for advancing our understanding of the link between body composition and the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients.

Prognostic value of preoperative CT scan derived body composition measures in resected pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

It remains unclear whether preoperative body composition may affect the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients undergoing surgery. The aim of the present study was to assess the extent to which preoperative body composition impacts on postoperative complication severity and survival in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed on consecutive patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy with preoperative CT scan imaging available. Body composition parameters including total abdominal muscle area (TAMA), visceral fat area (VFA), subcutaneous fat area and liver steatosis (LS) were assessed. Sarcopenic obesity was defined as a high VFA/TAMA ratio. Postoperative complication burden was evaluated with the comprehensive complication index (CCI).

RESULTS

Overall, 371 patients were included in the study. At 90 days after surgery, 80 patients (22%) experienced severe complications. The median CCI was 20.9 (IQR 0-30). At multivariate linear regression analysis, preoperative biliary drainage, ASA score ≥3, fistula risk score and sarcopenic obesity (37% increase; 95%CI 0.06-0.74; p = 0.046) were associated to an increase in CCI. Patient characteristics associated to sarcopenic obesity were older age, male gender and preoperative LS. At a median follow-up of 25 months (IQR 18-49), median disease-free survival (DFS) was 19 months (IQR 15-22). At cox-regression analysis, only pathological features were associated with DFS, while LS and other body composition measures did not show any prognostic role.

CONCLUSION

The combination of sarcopenia and visceral obesity was significantly associated with increased complication severity after pancreatoduodenectomy for cancer. Patients' body composition did not affect disease free survival after pancreatic cancer surgery.

Prevalence of and associated factors for sarcopenia in patients with liver cirrhosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is associated with poor outcomes in patients with cirrhosis. However, the prevalence of and associated factors for developing sarcopenia in this population remain to be determined.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to summarize the prevalence, characteristics, and associated factors of sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis.

METHODS

Electronic searches were performed from inception to June 9, 2022 to identify the eligible studies. We meta-analyzed the prevalence of sarcopenia in overall patients with cirrhosis and subgroups. Both crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were pooled using the random effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 55 studies involving 13,158 patients from 17 countries were included. The overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 40.1 % (95 % CI 35.4%-44.9 %) in patients with cirrhosis. The pooled prevalence was higher in males, Child-Pugh class C cirrhosis, decompensated stage, ascites, subjective global assessment class C cirrhosis, and when sarcopenia was defined by L3-SMI (third lumbar-skeletal muscle index) at a higher cutoff. In multivariate analysis, older age (adjusted OR 1.04, 95 % CI 1.00-1.07), male (adjusted OR 4.75, 95 % CI 2.72-8.28), lower body mass index (BMI) (adjusted OR 0.78, 95 % CI 0.73-0.83), alcoholic liver disease (ALD) (adjusted OR 1.43, 95 % CI 1.19-1.72), but not ascites and hepatic encephalopathy, were significantly associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis.

CONCLUSION

Sarcopenia is a prevalent complication, and older age, male patients, lower BMI, and patients with ALD are associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis.

Evaluation of Nutritional Status and the Impact of Nutritional Treatment in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer

Patients with pancreatic cancer who develop irreversible cancer cachexia have a life expectancy of less than 3 months. Therefore, it is extremely important to evaluate the patient's nutritional status as early as possible and to implement an appropriate nutritional intervention in order to reduce the risk of further weight loss and/or muscle loss, which affect the outcomes of cancer treatment and the correct nutritional treatment in patients with pancreatic cancer. A literature review was performed by using the PubMed and Cochrane quick search methodology. The main purpose of this review was to present the current approach to nutritional treatment in pancreatic cancer. The review included publications, most of which concerned clinical nutrition as part of the phase of treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer, nutritional and metabolic disorders in pancreatic cancer, and the period after pancreatic resection. Some of the publications concerned various nutritional interventions in patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing chemotherapy or surgical treatment (nutritional support before surgery, after surgery, or during palliative treatment). There is an unmet need for integrated nutritional therapy as a key part of the comprehensive care process for PC patients. Nutritional counseling is the first line of nutritional treatment for malnourished cancer patients, but pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy also constitutes the cornerstone of nutritional treatment for relieving symptoms of indigestion and maintaining or improving nutritional status.

Relationship between circulating tumour DNA and skeletal muscle stores at diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a cross-sectional study

Low skeletal muscle index (SMI) and low skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMD) are associated with reduced survival time in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The negative prognostic impact of low SMI and low SMD is often reported as independent of cancer stage when using traditional clinical staging tools. Therefore, this study sought to explore the relationship between a novel marker of tumour burden (circulating tumour DNA) and skeletal muscle abnormalities at diagnosis of PDAC. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in patients who had plasma and tumour tissue samples stored in the Victorian Pancreatic Cancer Biobank (VPCB) at diagnosis of PDAC, between 2015 and 2020. Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) of patients with G12 and G13 KRAS mutations was detected and quantified. Pre-treatment SMI and SMD derived from analysis of diagnostic computed tomography imaging was tested for its association to presence and concentration of ctDNA, as well as conventional staging, and demographic variables. The study included 66 patients at PDAC diagnosis; 53% female, mean age 68.7 years (SD ± 10.9). Low SMI and low SMD were present in 69.7% and 62.1% of patients, respectively. Female gender was an independent risk factor for low SMI (OR 4.38, 95% CI 1.23-15.55, p = 0.022), and older age an independent risk factor for low SMD (OR 1.066, 95% CI 1.002-1.135, p = 0.044). No association between skeletal muscle stores and concentration of ctDNA (SMI r = - 0.163, p = 0.192; SMD r = 0.097, p = 0.438) or stage of disease according to conventional clinical staging [SMI F(3, 62) = 0.886, p = 0.453; SMD F(3, 62) = 0.717, p = 0.545] was observed. These results demonstrate that low SMI and low SMD are highly prevalent at diagnosis of PDAC, and suggest they are comorbidities of cancer rather than related to the clinical stage of disease. Future studies are needed to identify the mechanisms and risk factors for low SMI and low SMD at diagnosis of PDAC to aid screening and intervention development.

The differential effects of sarcopenia and cachexia on overall survival for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients following pancreatectomy: A retrospective study based on a large population

OBJECTIVES

Both cachexia and sarcopenia have been considered adverse predictors for prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer; although sarcopenia and cachexia share some similarities, they are still defined as distinct nutritional conditions. We aimed to explore the differential impacts of sarcopenia and cachexia on prognosis for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients following radical excision.

METHODS

From January 2015 to May 2022, 614 patients undergoing surgery for PDAC were retrospectively included. Sarcopenia was defined as the L3 total skeletal muscle index below 52.4 cm² /m² (men) and 38.5 cm² /m² (women). Cachexia was classified according to the following criteria: involuntary weight loss >5% over the past 6 months, or weight loss >2% and BMI <20 kg/m² , or weight loss >2% and sarcopenia.

RESULTS

Of the 614 patients included in the analysis, 62% and 48% were diagnosed with sarcopenia and cachexia, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that sarcopenia and/or cachexia were significantly associated with worse overall survival (OS) rather than worse recurrence-free survival (RFS). Moreover, Cox regression analysis revealed that cachexia rather than sarcopenia was an adverse factor for OS in all PDAC patients. For poorly differentiated PDAC, both cachexia and sarcopenia were significantly associated with shorter OS. However, for moderately/well-differentiated PADC, cachexia was an independent factor for adverse OS, but not sarcopenia.

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia and cachexia have different effects on OS for PDAC patients undergoing radical excision. This difference may provide some important information for preoperative management.

The TPA score (total psoas muscle area) is the best marker for preoperative measurement of pre-sarcopenia in pancreatic surgery

INTRODUCTION

Pre-sarcopenia, defined by the loss of muscle mass, is significantly associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications in digestive surgery, particularly pancreatic resection. The five predominant markers of sarcopenia are: psoas muscle area (TPA), intramuscular adipose tissue content (IMAC), Average Hounsfield Unit Calculation (HUAC), Skeletal Muscle Mass Index (MMI), and the ratio between visceral adipose tissue area and muscle surface area (VFA/TAMA). No standard reference marker has been determined.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort included patients who underwent pancreatic resection at the University Hospital of Angers between January 2008 and June 2017. The goal was to determine the marker that was most significantly associated with morbidity and mortality in pancreatic surgery. The secondary objective was to determine the characteristics of pre-sarcopenic patients.

RESULTS

The TPA score is the most sensitive marker for identifying patients at highest risk for immediate complications (P=0.008), proving far more sensitive than MMI (P=0.02), HUAC (P=0.34), IMAC (P=1), or VFA/TAMA (P=0.42). Postoperative mortality was 3.3% (n=5), morbidity was 63.8% (n=97). Pre-sarcopenic patients, as identified by the TPA index had significantly more immediate complications (71.2% versus 49.5%, P=0.008), in particular, more gastroparesis (P=0.02) and pancreatic fistula (P=0.03).

CONCLUSION

In patients requiring pancreatic surgery, the prevalence of pre-sarcopenia is high and seems to be associated with a greater risk of immediate postoperative complications. The TPA score seems to be the most sensitive marker for detecting pre-sarcopenia. Evaluation of TPA preoperatively would make it possible to identify priority patients a priori who might benefit from pre-habilitation programs.

Influence of reduced muscle mass and quality on ventilator weaning and complications during intensive care unit stay in COVID-19 patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Sarcopenia, a loss of muscle mass, quality and function, which is particularly evident in respiratory muscles, has been associated with many clinical adverse outcomes. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the role of reduced muscle mass and quality in predicting ventilation weaning, complications, length of intensive care unit (ICU) and of hospital stay and mortality in patients admitted to ICU for SARS-CoV-2-related pneumonia.

METHODS

This was an observational study based on a review of medical records of all adult patients admitted to the ICU of a tertiary hospital in Milan and intubated for SARS-CoV-2-related pneumonia during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Muscle mass and quality measurement were retrieved from routine thoracic CT scans, when sections passing through the first, second or third lumbar vertebra were available.

RESULTS

A total of 81 patients were enrolled. Muscle mass was associated with successful extubation (OR 1.02, 95% C.I. 1.00-1.03, p = 0.017), shorter ICU stay (OR 0.97, 95% C.I. 0.95-0.99, p = 0.03) and decreased hospital mortality (HR 0.98, 95% C.I. 0.96-0.99, p = 0.02). Muscle density was associated with successful extubation (OR 1.07, 95% C.I. 1.01-1.14; p = 0.02) and had an inverse association with the number of complications in ICU (Β -0.07, 95% C.I. -0.13 - -0.002, p = 0.03), length of hospitalization (Β -1.36, 95% C.I. -2.21 - -0.51, p = 0.002) and in-hospital mortality (HR 0.88, 95% C.I. 0.78-0.99, p = 0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

Leveraging routine CT imaging to measure muscle mass and quality might constitute a simple, inexpensive and powerful tool to predict survival and disease course in patients with COVID-19. Preserving muscle mass during hospitalisation might have an adjuvant role in facilitating remission from COVID-19.

Pancreatic Tumorigenesis: Precursors, Genetic Risk Factors and Screening

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly malignant and aggressive tumor. Despite medical advancement, the silent nature of PC results in only 20% of all cases considered resectable at the time of diagnosis. It is projected to become the second leading cause in 2030. Most pancreatic cancer cases are diagnosed in the advanced stages. Such cases are typically unresectable and are associated with a 5-year survival of less than 10%. Although there is no guideline consensus regarding recommendations for screening for pancreatic cancer, early detection has been associated with better outcomes. In addition to continued utilization of imaging and conventional tumor markers, clinicians should be aware of novel testing modalities that may be effective for early detection of pancreatic cancer in individuals with high-risk factors. The pathogenesis of PC is not well understood; however, various modifiable and non-modifiable factors have been implicated in pancreatic oncogenesis. PC detection in the earlier stages is associated with better outcomes; nevertheless, most oncological societies do not recommend universal screening as it may result in a high false-positive rate. Therefore, targeted screening for high-risk individuals represents a reasonable option. In this review, we aimed to summarize the pathogenesis, genetic risk factors, high-risk population, and screening modalities for PC.

A Combination of Preoperative Computed Tomography-Defined Sarcopenia and Systemic Inflammation on Survival in Patients with Poorly Differentiated Neuroendocrine Neoplasms Following Radical Resection

This retrospective study of 122 patients with gastrointestinal poorly differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasms (GI-PDNEN) who underwent radical resection between January 2010 and December 2020 aimed to investigate the usefulness of combined computed tomography (CT)-defined sarcopenia and systemic inflammation to evaluate long-term prognoses for patients who underwent radical surgical resection. Sarcopenia, based on a pre-defined L3 skeletal muscle index cutoff value, was assessed using preoperative abdominal CT images. Patients (neuroendocrine carcinoma, 86 patients; mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma, 36 patients) were divided into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups using sarcopenia scores and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (SNLRs). Higher SNLRs were significantly associated with higher age (P = 0.004), larger tumor size (P = 0.042), lower body mass index (P = 0.042), and lower hemoglobin (P = 0.001) and albumin (P = 0.031) levels. Multivariate analysis indicated that a higher SNLR was an independent risk factor for poor overall survival (OS, P = 0.01) and relapse-free survival (RFS, P = 0.001) in patients with GI-PDNEN postoperatively. Sarcopenia and a higher NLR were significantly associated with poor RFS and OS following radical resection. The SNLR had a definite predictive prognostic value in preoperatively identifying patients with GI-PDNEN and a probable poor long-term prognosis, especially those with neuroendocrine carcinoma.

Effects of 3 months of multi-nutrient supplementation on the immune system and muscle and respiratory function of older adults in aged care (The Pomerium Study): protocol for a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Immunosenescence leads to increased morbidity and mortality associated with viral infections and weaker vaccine responses. This has been well documented for seasonal influenza and the current pandemic with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), which disproportionately impact older adults, particularly those in residential aged care facilities. Inadequate nutrient intakes associated with impaired immunity, respiratory and muscle function are likely to augment the effects of immunosenescence. In this study, we test whether the impact of inadequate nutrition can be reversed using multi-nutrient supplementation, consequently enhancing vaccine responses, reducing the risk of viral infections and improving respiratory and muscle function.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The Pomerium Study is a 3-month, single-blind, randomised, controlled trial testing the effects of two daily servings of an oral multi-nutrient supplement (330 kcal, 20 g protein, 1.5 g calcium 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyrate monohydrate (CaHMB), 449 mg calcium, 500 IU vitamin D₃ and 25 vitamins and minerals) on the immune system and muscle and respiratory function of older adults in aged care in Melbourne, Australia. 160 older adults (≥75 years old) will be recruited from aged care facilities and randomised to treatment (multi-nutrient supplement) or control (usual care). The primary outcome is a change in T-cell subsets CD8 + and CD28null counts at months 1 and 3. Secondary outcomes measured at baseline and month 3 are multiple markers of immunosenescence (also at 1 month), body composition (bioimpedance), handgrip strength (dynamometer), physical function (short physical performance battery), respiratory function (spirometry) and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L). Incidence and complications of COVID-19 and/or viral infections (ie, hospitalisation, complications or death) will be recorded throughout the trial, including 3 months after supplementation is ceased.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was approved by Melbourne Health Human Research Ethics Committee (Ref No. HREC/73985/MH-2021, ERM Ref No. RMH73985, Melbourne Health Site Ref No. 2021.115). Written informed consent will be obtained from participants. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and made available to key aged care stakeholders, including providers, residents, and government bodies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12621000420842.

Adverse Effects of Sarcopenic Obesity on Postoperative Complications after Major Hepatectomy in Patients with Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma

Sarcopenic obesity (SO), which is defined as a high ratio of visceral adipose tissue to skeletal muscle, is a well-known risk factor for post-hepatectomy outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. However, few studies have evaluated the effect of SO on postoperative outcomes in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (CCC). This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effect of preoperative SO on postoperative outcomes in patients with hilar CCC following major hepatectomy. Preoperative SO was assessed in 328 patients undergoing hepatectomy for hilar CCC at three institutions between 2006 and 2016. SO was calculated from cross-sectional visceral fat and muscle area displayed on preoperative CT imaging. Preoperative SO was present in 98 patients (29.9%). The major complication rate in patients with SO was higher than in those without SO (54.1% vs. 37.0%, p = 0.004). Additionally, postoperative hospital stays were prolonged in patients with SO (18.5 vs. 16.5 days, p = 0.038). After multivariable analysis, SO was identified as an independent risk factor for major complications after hepatectomy in hilar CCC patients (OR = 0.866, 95% CI: 1.148–3.034, p = 0.012). Careful postoperative management is needed after major hepatectomy in hilar CCC patients with SO.

Relation between skeletal muscle volume and prognosis in rectal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy

The prognostic role of body composition indexes, and specifically sarcopenia, has recently been explored in different cancer types. However, conflicting results have been reported. Heterogeneity in cancer type, cancer stage or oncological treatments, as well as different methodology and definition of sarcopenia, could be accounted for different conclusions retrieved from literature. When focusing on colorectal cancer, it clearly appears that colon and rectal cancers are often treated as a single entity though they have different behaviors and treatments. Particularly, patients with advanced rectal cancer represent a peculiar group of patients that according to current guidelines are treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy followed by radical surgery. This review was restricted to a homogeneous group of patients with advanced lower rectal cancer and the aim of exploring whether there is a correlation between skeletal muscle depletion and prognosis. Literature was searched for articles related to patients with advanced rectal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (NCRT) followed by radical surgery, in whom muscle mass and/or change in muscle mass during neoadjuvant treatment were measured. Eight full-text articles were selected and included in the present review. The main findings of our review were: (1) The majority of the studies defined sarcopenia as muscle mass alone over muscle strength or physical performance; (2) There was a great deal of heterogeneity in the definition and measures of sarcopenia, in the definition of cut-off values, and in the method to measure change in muscle mass; (3) There was not full agreement on the association between sarcopenia at baseline and/or after chemo-radiotherapy and prognosis, and only few studies found a significance in the multivariate analysis; and (4) It seems that a loss in skeletal muscle mass during NCRT is associated with the worst outcomes in terms of disease-free survival. In conclusion, analysis of muscle mass might provide prognostic information on patients with rectal cancer, however more robust evidence is needed to define the role of muscle depletion and/or muscle change during neoadjuvant treatments, related to this specific group of patients. If a prognostic role would be confirmed by future studies, the role of preoperative intervention aimed at modifying muscle mass could be explored in order to improve outcomes.

The impact of nutritional status on pancreatic cancer therapy

INTRODUCTION

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive disease with poor outcomes. One of the reasons for the dismal prognosis resides in its impressive ability to alter the nutritional status of patients who develop malnutrition, cachexia, anorexia, and sarcopenia in most cases. The ideal way to measure such changes in PDAC patients, in order to readily identify them and avoid complications or discontinuations of treatment is a relatively unexplored area. In addition, most PDAC patients experience pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) that contributes to the complex puzzle of malnutrition and that can be treated with Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT).

AREAS COVERED

We review current knowledge on the impact of nutritional status on both surgical and medical treatments for PDAC, reporting available data on the causes of malnutrition, characteristics, and advantages of different tools to investigate nutritional status and possible strategies to improve patient outcomes.

EXPERT OPINION

All PDAC patients should receive a careful nutritional assessment at diagnosis, and this should be repeated alongside their treatment path. Screening tools and biochemical variables or scores are associated with prognosis, but bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA) and radiological assessment of body composition seem more accurate in predicting clinical outcomes and postoperative complications.

Nutritional status of patients undergoing pancreatic resection

Changes in the exocrine function of the pancreas often develops after proximal and distal resections. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is characterized by a reduced secretion of pancreatic enzymes, because of which the digestion and absorption of nutrients is impaired. Clinical manifestations of EPI and, as a consequence, changes in nutritional status significantly affect the quality of life of patients.

Case-control study of the correlation between the five times sit to stand and 6-min walk distance in patients with pancreatic cancer

PURPOSE

Cases of pancreatic cancer are increasing, and the risk of developing this disease reportedly increases with age. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of reports on physical function in patients with pancreatic cancer. Methods such as the 6-min walk distance (6 MWD) should be established to evaluate physical function, as a decline in exercise capacity is an important index in these patients. Recently, the 6 MWD has also been used to evaluate physical function in patients with pancreatic cancer. In healthy older adults, a decrease in 6 MWD is reportedly associated with intrinsic capacity and health status. Such factors make assessing 6 MWD important. However, the measurement of 6 MWD requires a sizable measurement environment. The five times sit to stand (FTSTS) test is a simple method that can be performed using a chair. FTSTS is hypothesized to be a useful assessment scale in patients with pancreatic cancer because it is easy to estimate the decline in physical function in clinical practice if the decline in 6 MWD can be estimated by evaluating FTSTS. The study's purpose was to clarify this hypothesis and ascertain the cutoff required to determine the decrease in 6 MWD in clinical practice.

METHODS

Sixty consecutive patients with preoperative pancreatic cancer who were assessed for physical function were studied. 6 MWD (< 400 m) was the objective variable, and binary logistic regression analysis was performed, with age, BMI, sex, FTSTS, and HGS as explanatory variables. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed for the explanatory variables, which were found to be significant based on logistic regression analysis. The area under the curve (AUC) was also calculated. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV) were evaluated. This study was approved by Hiroshima University Hospital's ethics committee (approval number: E808-1).

RESULTS

Fifty-seven of the 60 patients were included in the analysis. Logistic regression analysis showed that FTSTS was a significant explanatory variable; ROC curve analysis showed an AUC of 0.872 and a cutoff value of 8.98 s. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 82.4%, 80.0%, 63.6%, and 91.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A decrease in 6 MWD in preoperative pancreatic cancer patients can be identified by performing FTSTS.

Pancreatic cancer in 2021: What you need to know to win

Pancreatic cancer is one of the solid tumors with the worst prognosis. Five-year survival rate is less than 10%. Surgical resection is the only potentially curative treatment, but the tumor is often diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease and surgery could be performed in a very limited number of patients. Moreover, surgery is still associated with high post-operative morbidity, while other therapies still offer very disappointing results. This article reviews every aspect of pancreatic cancer, focusing on the elements that can improve prognosis. It was written with the aim of describing everything you need to know in 2021 in order to face this difficult challenge.

Long-term changes in nutritional status and body composition in patients with malignant pancreatic disease - A systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Patients with pancreatic cancer often experience significant deterioration in nutritional status over time. Malnutrition is complex and multifactorial, with malabsorption, pain, toxic dependencies, co-morbidities and malignant processes all playing a role. The aims of this systematic review were to assess nutritional changes over time and identify tolerance of nutritional intervention, thus identifying potential areas for further research to improve patient outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE and PubMed was carried out in February 2020, identifying 2620 articles. After screening to exclude those reporting short-term measures, with only one data point, or in the wrong population, thirteen papers were selected for analysis (four trials in neo-adjuvant treatment, five in populations undergoing palliative treatment for pancreatic cancer, and four in mixed populations undergoing pancreatic resection).

RESULTS

Overall, studies were limited by predominantly retrospective designs, and poor control of potentially confounding variables. Meta-analysis could not be performed due to heterogenicity in study design and reporting methods. Surgery in mixed cohorts did not appear to result in weight loss. Only one small intervention study was identified. Patients with pancreatic cancer experienced a decline in nutritional status, with 44-63% of patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy having low muscle mass prior to starting treatment.

CONCLUSION

There is a paucity of data regarding nutritional intervention in pancreatic cancer. Future work should include the use of validated functional and clinical assessment tools to further explore the impact of nutritional intervention, and the relationship between nutritional status and outcome.

Before sentinel bleeding: early prediction of postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) with a CT-based scoring system

OBJECTIVES

Clinically significant pancreatic fistula (POPF) has been established as a well-known risk factor for late and severe postpancreatectomy hemorrhage after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) (postpancreatectomy pancreatic fistula-associated hemorrhage [PPFH]). Our aim was to assess whether contrast-enhanced CT scan after PD is an effective tool for early prediction of PPFH.

METHODS

From a prospectively acquired database, all consecutive patients who underwent PD between January 2013 and May 2019 were identified; within this database, all patients who were evaluated, for clinical suspicion of POPF, with at least one contrast-enhanced CT scan examination, were enrolled in this retrospective study. The selected CT findings included perianastomotic fluid collections and air bubbles; pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) was analyzed in terms of dehiscence and defect.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-eight out of 953 PD patients (18.7%) suffered from clinically significant POPF; after exclusions, 166 patients were enrolled. Among this subset, 33 patients (19.9%) had at least one PPFH episode. In multivariable analysis, PPFH was associated with postoperative CT evidence of fluid collections (p = 0.046), air bubbles (p = 0.046), and posterior PJ defect (p < 0.001). Based on these findings, a practical 4-point prediction score was developed (AUC: 0.904, Se: 76%, Sp: 93.8%): patients with a score ≥ 3 demonstrated a significantly higher risk of PPFH development (OR = 45.6, 95% CI: 13.0-159.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative CT scan permits early stratification of PPFH risk, thus providing an actual aid for patients' management.

KEY POINTS

• Postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) is a dramatic, clinically unpredictable occurrence. • After pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), early identification of posterior pancreaticojejunostomy defect, perianastomotic air bubbles, and retroperitoneal fluid collections enables effective PPH risk stratification by means of a practical CT-based 4-point scoring system. • CT scan after PD allows a paradigm shift in the management PPH, from a conventional "wait and see" approach, to a more proactive one that relies on early anticipation and timely prevention.

Body Composition and Response and Outcome of Neoadjuvant Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer

To assess the correlation of body composition with the response and outcome of neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). One hundred and nineteen PDAC patients underwent curative resection after NAT. Computed tomography scans of the third lumbar vertebra were used to assess the body composition of these patients before and after NAT. Three distinct wasting phenotypes were identified during NAT, with 51 patients (42.9%) developing muscle and fat wasting (MFW), 17 patients (14.3%) developing fat-only wasting (FW), and 51 patients (42.9%) having no wasting (NW). The response rate was higher in the NW phenotype than in the MFW and FW phenotypes (P = 0.007). In univariate and multivariate analyses, histological grade, sarcopenia before NAT, and MFW during NAT were associated with decreased overall survival (OS). Sarcopenia before NAT and MFW during NAT were associated with decreased disease-free survival (DFS). Body composition was associated with the response and outcome of patients undergoing NAT for PDAC. The response rate was higher in patients having NW during NAT. Sarcopenia before NAT and MFW during NAT were associated with decreased OS and DFS.

Development and validation of nomograms for the prediction of low muscle mass and radiodensity in gastric cancer patients

BACKGROUND

The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMD) are important components of sarcopenia and malnutrition. However, their assessment requires additional resources in cancer patients, which is inconvenient for the early detection of sarcopenia and malnutrition.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to develop and validate nomograms for the prediction of low muscle mass and muscle radiodensity and to examine the application value of the nomograms in the diagnoses of sarcopenia and malnutrition.

METHODS

A total of 1315 patients diagnosed with gastric cancer between July 2014 and May 2019 were included. Random resampling with an 80/20 split ratio was performed to obtain a training cohort (n = 1056) and a validation cohort (n = 259). Nomograms were separately constructed for low SMI (LSMI) and low SMD (LSMD) in the training cohort based on prospectively collected preoperative data. The performance of the nomograms was assessed using the AUC, calibration curve, and Hosmer-Lemeshow test. The application values of the nomograms in the diagnoses of sarcopenia and malnutrition were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Age, BMI, hemoglobin concentration, and gait speed were included in the nomogram for LSMI predictions. These variables, in addition to sex, were included in the nomogram for LSMD predictions. The diagnostic nomograms exhibited good discrimination, with AUCs of 0.818 (95% CI, 0.791-0.845) for the LSMI nomogram and 0.788 (95% CI, 0.761-0.815) for the LSMD diagnostic nomogram in the training cohort. Calibration was also excellent. The agreement ratios between the nomograms and actual observations in the total population were 92.3% and 95.6% for sarcopenia and malnutrition, respectively. Prognostic nomograms exhibited similar performance in the validation cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnostic nomograms consisting of preoperative factors can successfully predict LSMI and LSMD. These models facilitate early identification and timely interventions for at-risk populations.

Skeletal muscle depletion and nutrition support affected postoperative complications in patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Body composition has been shown closely related to the outcome in surgical patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether preoperative skeletal muscle condition and postoperative nutrition would affect major complications in patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 265 patients underwent PD. Body composition data was extracted from the L3 level of the preoperative CT scan. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to investigate correlations between body composition data and postoperative complications. Furthermore, a subgroup analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between postoperative nutrition strategy and the outcome.

RESULTS

Of all the 265 patients, major complications occurred in 81 patients (30.6%). Cutoff values for skeletal muscle depletion were defined by ROC curve analysis from postoperative complications in skeletal muscle index (SMI) (male 47.32 cm²/m² and female 40.65 cm²/m²). Univariable analysis and multivariable regression revealed age (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.22-1.83, p = 0.026), SMI (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.51-0.94, p = 0.015) and skeletal muscle density (SMD) (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.64-1.03, p = 0.029) were independent predictors for major complications. Subgroup analysis showed the initial parenteral nutrition time (IPNT) (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.43-2.49, p = 0.032) and average protein delivery (APD) (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.53-0.89, p = 0.021) were significantly associated with major complications in patients with lower SMI.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative skeletal muscle index and density were independently associated with major complications in patients underwent PD. In patients with lower SMI, early parenteral nutrition and higher protein delivery were related to better outcome.

Impact of musculoskeletal degradation on cancer outcomes and strategies for management in clinical practice

The prevalence of malnutrition in patients with cancer is one of the highest of all patient groups. Weight loss (WL) is a frequent manifestation of malnutrition in cancer and several large-scale studies have reported that involuntary WL affects 50-80% of patients with cancer, with the degree of WL dependent on tumour site, type and stage of disease. The study of body composition in oncology using computed tomography has unearthed the importance of both low muscle mass (sarcopenia) and low muscle attenuation as important prognostic indications of unfavourable outcomes including poorer tolerance to chemotherapy; significant deterioration in performance status and quality of life (QoL), poorer post-operative outcomes and shortened survival. While often hidden by excess fat and high BMI, muscle abnormalities are highly prevalent in patients with cancer (ranging from 10 to 90%). Early screening to identify individuals with sarcopenia and decreased muscle quality would allow for earlier multimodal interventions to attenuate adverse body compositional changes. Multimodal therapies (combining nutritional counselling, exercise and anti-inflammatory drugs) are currently the focus of randomised trials to examine if this approach can provide a sufficient stimulus to prevent or slow the cascade of tissue wasting and if this then impacts on outcomes in a positive manner. This review will focus on the aetiology of musculoskeletal degradation in cancer; the impact of sarcopenia on chemotherapy tolerance, post-operative complications, QoL and survival; and outline current strategies for attenuation of muscle loss in clinical practice.

Defining postoperative weight change after pancreatectomy: Factors associated with distinct and dynamic weight trajectories

BACKGROUND

Weight change offers the simplest indication of a patient's recovery after an operation. There have been no studies that have thoroughly investigated postoperative weight dynamics after pancreatectomy. The aim of this study was to define postoperative weight change after a pancreatectomy and determine factors associated with optimal and poor weight trajectories.

METHODS

From 2004 to 2019, 1,090 proximal (65%) and distal (35%) pancreatectomies were performed in patients with adequate data in the medical records. Patient weights were acquired preoperatively and at postoperative months 1, 3, and 12. Optimal (top quartile, weight restoration) and poor (bottom quartile, persistent weight loss) postoperative weight cohorts were identified at 1 year postoperatively.

RESULTS

The median percentage weight change 1 year postpancreatectomy was -6.6% (interquartile range: -1.4% to -12.5%), -7.8% for proximal pancreatectomy, and -4.2% for distal pancreatectomy. For most patients (interquartile range cohort), the median percentage weight change at 1, 3, and 12 months was -6.2%, -7.2%, and -6.6%. The independent factors associated with weight restoration were age <65, nonobesity (body mass index <30kg/m²), receiving total parenteral nutrition/total enteral nutrition preoperatively, experiencing preoperative weight loss >10%, distal pancreatectomy, not undergoing vascular resection, and no readmission within 30 days. Conversely, persistent weight loss was associated with American Society of Anesthesiologists classes III to IV, obesity, malignancy, proximal pancreatectomy, blood loss ≥350mL, and experiencing readmission within 30 days. Focusing on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (n = 372) patients, the factors associated with persistent weight loss were obesity, proximal pancreatectomy, and experiencing recurrence within 1 year; however, weight cohorts were not associated with overall survival for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients.

CONCLUSION

These data define weight kinetics after pancreatectomy. Ultimately, postoperative weight trajectories appear to be largely predetermined but may be mitigated by limiting readmissions and complications. Clinicians should use these data to identify patients who continue to lose weight between the first and third month postoperatively with a high suspicion for the requirement of nutritional monitoring or other interventions.

Sarcopenia as a prognostic factor in patients with recurrent pancreatic cancer: a retrospective study

Background

Sarcopenia is a prognostic factor in various cancers. However, the impact of sarcopenia in patients with recurrent pancreatic cancer remains unclear. This study evaluated the prognostic significance of sarcopenia in patients with recurrent pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Seventy-four patients who developed postoperative recurrence of pancreatic cancer after undergoing pancreatectomies were enrolled. Sarcopenia in these patients was defined according to the psoas muscle index (PMI) measured via computed tomography at the third vertebra.

Results

The mean PMIs at the time of recurrence were 4.47 ± 1.27 cm²/m² for men and 3.26 ± 0.70 cm²/m² for women. Of the 74 patients, 65 (87.8%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia with low PMI. The 2-year post-recurrence survival curve in the sarcopenia group was significantly worse than that in the non-sarcopenia group (P = 0.034). Multivariate analysis revealed that sarcopenia at the time of recurrence was an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.043) along with a high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (P = 0.004), early recurrence (P = 0.001), and chemotherapy after recurrence (P = 0.005) in patients with recurrent pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, the area under the curve (AUC) of the combination of sarcopenia and time to recurrence for predicting 2-year survival was 0.763, which was much higher than that of sarcopenia alone (AUC = 0.622).

Conclusions

Sarcopenia is a useful prognostic factor in patients with recurrent pancreatic cancer. The combination of sarcopenia and time of recurrence may more accurately predict post-recurrence survival than can sarcopenia alone.

Low skeletal muscle mass as predictor of postoperative complications and decreased overall survival in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: the role of ultrasound of rectus femoris muscle

PURPOSE

Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) depletion and sarcopenia as predictors of postoperative complications and poorer overall survival (OS) have been validated in many surgical fields through cross-sectional imaging (CT, MRI), with potential limitations. We evaluated it in a stage III-IV head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) surgical cohort through ultrasound (US) of rectus femoris muscle (RF), a quick, cheap, repeatable alternative.

METHODS

Patients submitted to surgical treatment with curative purpose were recruited and prospectively evaluated through clinical, biometric, biochemical, surgical, pathological and functional prognosticators and with preoperative US of RF with regards to 30-day complications and OS.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients completed the study. RF cross-sectional area (RF-CSA) was used to identify patients with low SMM (CSA ≤ 0.97 cm²: 18/47, 38.3%). RF-CSA was lower in complicated cases (0.95 ± 0.48 vs 1.41 ± 0.49 cm²; p = 0.003), remaining the only independent predictor of postoperative complications at multivariate analysis, with a model including ASA score and modified Frailty index (OR 9.84; p = 0.004). SMM depletion significantly impaired OS (13.6 ± 2.9 vs 26.3 ± 2.1 months; p = 0.017), being its only independent prognosticator at multivariate Cox regression analysis (OR 4.42; p = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

RF-CSA, evaluated with US, seems a reliable method for identification of patients with low SMM in a stage III-IV HNSCC cohort, defining a subset at high-risk of 30-day complications and poorer OS.

Prognostic Impact of Preoperative Nutritional Risk in Patients Who Undergo Surgery for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Nutritional derangements are common hallmarks of pancreatic cancer (PC). Their early detection and management are usually overlooked in routine practice. This study aimed to explore preoperative nutritional status and its prognostic value in patients undergoing surgery for PC.

METHODS

Data from 73 patients who underwent surgery for PC from November 2015 to January 2018 at the General and Pancreatic Surgery Unit, The Pancreas Institute, University Hospital of Verona Hospital, Verona, Italy, were retrospectively evaluated. The Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS)-2002 was used to evaluate the preoperative nutritional risk. Body composition was assessed using bioimpedance vectorial analysis (BIVA) on the day prior to surgery. The effect of clinical, pathological, and nutritional characteristics on overall survival (OS) was investigated using a Cox and logistic regression model. Kaplan-Meier curves were compared using the log-rank test.

RESULTS

Most patients (80.8%) were at preoperative risk of malnutrition (NRS-2002 ≥ 3) despite a mean BMI of 24.1 kg/m²(± 4.3). Twenty-four patients (32.9%) received neoadjuvant therapy prior to surgery. Preoperative NRS-2002 was significantly higher in this subset of patients (p = 0.026), with a significant difference by chemotherapy regimens (in favor of FOLFIRINOX, p = 0.035). In a multivariate analysis, the only independent prognostic factor for OS was the NRS-2002 score (HR 5.24, p = 0.013). Particularly, the likelihood of 2-year survival was higher in NRS < 3 (p = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis confirms that preoperative malnutrition has a detrimental impact on OS in PC patients undergoing radical surgery for PC. Careful preoperative nutritional evaluation of PC patients should be mandatory, especially in those who are candidates for neoadjuvant therapy.

Body composition assessment and sarcopenia in patients with pancreatic cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have suggested an association between sarcopenia in pancreatic cancer and adverse outcomes. This systematic review examines the evidence for the impact of sarcopenia on post-operative complications and survival METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify randomised and non-randomised studies of sarcopenia in pancreatic cancer. Meta-analyses of intra- and post-operative outcomes were performed (operating time, all complications, major complications, pancreatic fistulae, peri-operative mortality, overall survival).

RESULTS

Forty-two studies reported the assessment of body composition in 7619 patients. Methods used to assess body composition in patients with pancreatic cancers were computerized tomography (n = 34), bioelectrical impedance analysis (n = 7), and dual-energy-X-ray-absorptiometry (n = 1). Only 10 studies reported the impact of pre-operative sarcopenia upon post-operative outcomes. Sarcopenia was associated with increased peri-operative mortality (OR: 2.40, CI_95%:1.19-4.85, p < 0.01) and decreased overall survival by univariable (HR: 1.95, CI_95%:1.35-2.81, p < 0.001) and multivariable analysis (HR: 1.78, CI_95%:1.54-2.05). Sarcopenia was not significantly associated with all complications (OR: 0.96, CI_95%:0.78-1.19) or pancreatic fistula (OR: 0.95, CI_95%: 0.59-1.54).

CONCLUSIONS

Assessment of sarcopenia in pancreatic cancer provides prognostic value but, more importantly, may provide a basis for therapeutic intervention. However, variation in the methods of assessing and reporting sarcopenia in this patient group limits the assessment of post-operative outcomes currently.

The 2019 ESPEN Arvid Wretlind lecture perioperative nutritional and metabolic care: Patient-tailored or organ-specific approach?

BACKGROUND & AIM

The perioperative severe changes in the nutritional and metabolic homeostasis are, by some means, proportional to the extent of tissue injury and magnitude of operative trauma. An adequate qualitative and quantitative replacement of nutritional substrates are of utmost importance to facilitate proper tissue healing and recovery and maintenance of organ function after surgery.

METHODS

The present manuscript has been planned to put the most recent research of the Milano-Bicocca University surgical working group in the context of a more personalized nutritional therapy and metabolic care for surgical patients. Particular prominence has been given to major pancreatic resections because these surgeries are among the most complex and challenging operations for the degree of parenchyma resection and tissue dissection, the consequent overall injury, and the fairly high rate of major complications resulting in a catabolic response.

RESULTS

Anthropometric parameters and particularly sarcopenia, visceral obesity - and their relative proportion -, are strongly associated with poor outcome after pancreatic surgery. Adequate perioperative nutritional therapy is of utmost importance in affecting morbidity. Long-term nutritional and metabolic sequelae, caused by exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, need to be promptly recognized and treated with an adequate enzyme supplementation.

CONCLUSIONS

There is strong evidence sustaining the necessity of proper perioperative metabolic and nutritional care into the management of patients undergoing major pancreatic surgery.

Cachectic Body Composition and Inflammatory Markers Portend a Poor Prognosis in Patients with Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Treated with Chemoradiation

BACKGROUND

Patients with pancreatic cancer often develop cancer cachexia, a complex multifactorial syndrome with weight loss, muscle wasting and adipose tissue depletion with systemic inflammation causing physical impairment. In patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) neoadjuvant treatment is routinely performed to allow a subsequent resection. Herein, we assess body composition and laboratory markers for cancer cachexia both before and after neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT).

METHODS

Subcutaneous fat (SCF), visceral fat (VF), skeletal muscle (SM), weight and laboratory parameters were determined longitudinally in 141 LAPC patients treated with neoadjuvant CRT. Changes during CRT were statistically analyzed and correlated with outcome and Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted. Different prognostic factors linked to cachexia were assessed by uni- and multivariable cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease in weight as well as SCF, VF and SM during CRT. The laboratory parameter C-reactive protein (CRP) increased significantly, whereas there was a significant decrease in leukocyte count, hemoglobin, albumin and cholinesterase as well as in the tumor marker CA 19.9. Cachectic weight loss, sarcopenia, reductions in body compartments SCF, VF and SM, and changes in laboratory markers as well as resection affected survival in univariable analysis. In multivariable analysis, weight loss >5% (HR 2.8), reduction in SM >5% (HR 5.5), an increase in CRP (HR 2.2) or CA 19.9 (HR 1.9), and resection (HR 0.4) remained independently associated with survival, whereas classical cachexia and sarcopenia did not. Interestingly, the subgroup of patients with cachectic weight loss >5% or SM reduction >5% during CRT did not benefit from resection (median survival 12 vs. 27 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent weight loss and muscle depletion during CRT as well as systemic inflammation after CRT impacted survival more than cachexia or sarcopenia according classical definitions.

Effects of weight loss and sarcopenia on response to chemotherapy, quality of life, and survival

It has frequently been shown that patients with cancer are one of the largest hospital patient groups with a prevalence for malnutrition. Weight loss is a frequent manifestation of malnutrition in patients with cancer. Several large-scale studies over the past 35 y have reported that involuntary weight loss affects 50% to 80% of these patients with the degree of weight loss dependent on tumor site and type and stage of disease. The aim of this review was to determine the consequences of malnutrition, weight loss, and muscle wasting in relation to chemotherapy tolerance, postoperative complications, quality of life, and survival in patients with cancer. The prognostic impact of weight loss on overall survival has long been recognised with recent data suggesting losses as little as 2.4% predicts survival independent of disease, site, stage or performance score. Recently the use of gold-standard methods of body composition assessment, including computed tomography, have led to an increased understanding of the importance of muscle abnormalities, such as low muscle mass (sarcopenia), and more recently low muscle attenuation, as important prognostic indicators of unfavourable outcomes in patients with cancer. Muscle abnormalities are highly prevalent (ranging from 10-90%, depending on cancer site and the diagnostic criteria used). Both low muscle mass and low muscle attenuation have been associated with poorer tolerance to chemotherapy; increased risk of postoperative complications; significant deterioration in a patients' performance status, and poorer psychological well-being, overall quality of life, and survival.

Continued Weight Loss and Sarcopenia Predict Poor Outcomes in Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Treated with Chemoradiation

Background: Surgical resection offers the best chance of survival in patients with pancreatic cancer, but those with locally advanced disease (LAPC) are usually not surgical candidates. This cohort often receives either neoadjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiation (CRT), but unintended weight loss coupled with muscle wasting (sarcopenia) can often be observed. Here, we report on the predictive value of changes in weight and muscle mass in 147 consecutive patients with LAPC treated with neoadjuvant CRT. Methods: Clinicopathologic data were obtained via a retrospective chart review. The abdominal skeletal muscle area (SMA) at the third lumbar vertebral body was determined via computer tomographic (CT) scans as a surrogate for the muscle mass and skeletal muscle index (SMI) calculated. Uni- and multi-variable statistical tests were performed to assess for impact on survival. Results: Weight loss (14.5 vs. 20.3 months; p = 0.04) and loss of muscle mass (15.1 vs. 22.2 months; p = 0.007) were associated with poor outcomes. The highest survival was observed in patients who had neither cachectic weight loss nor sarcopenia (27 months), with improved survival seen in those who ultimately received a resection (23 vs. 10 months; p < 0.001). Cox regression revealed that either continued weight loss or continued muscle wasting (SMA reduction) was predictive of poor outcomes, whereas a sarcopenic SMI was not. Conclusions: Loss of weight and lean muscle in patients with LAPC is prognostic when persistent. Therefore, both should be assessed longitudinally and considered before surgery.

Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer: Opportunities and Challenges

Most patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) present with symptomatic, surgically unresectable disease. Although the goal of early detection of PDAC is laudable and likely to result in significant improvement in overall survival, the relatively low prevalence of PDAC renders general population screening infeasible. The challenges of early detection include identification of at-risk individuals in the general population who would benefit from longitudinal surveillance programs and appropriate biomarker and imaging-based modalities used for PDAC surveillance in such cohorts. In recent years, various subgroups at higher-than-average risk for PDAC have been identified, including those with familial risk due to germline mutations, a history of pancreatitis, patients with mucinous pancreatic cysts, and elderly patients with new-onset diabetes. The last 2 categories are discussed at length in terms of the opportunities and challenges they present for PDAC early detection. We also discuss current and emerging imaging modalities that are critical to identifying early, potentially curable PDAC in high-risk cohorts on surveillance.

The association of medical and demographic characteristics with sarcopenia and low muscle radiodensity in patients with nonmetastatic colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia and low skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMD) have been associated with adverse outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC); however, factors contributing to these 2 muscle abnormalities are unclear.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of medical and demographic characteristics with muscle abnormalities among patients with nonmetastatic CRC.

METHODS

Patients with stage I-III invasive CRC (2006-11) who had diagnostic computed tomography (CT) available from Kaiser Permanente Northern California electronic medical records were included. CT-assessed sarcopenia and low SMD were defined according to optimal stratification. Logistic regressions including age, stage, site, total adipose tissue (TAT), race/ethnicity, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, smoking history, alcohol use, and Charlson Comorbidity Score were performed to identify characteristics associated with muscle abnormalities.

RESULTS

The study included 3262 patients (49.9% females) with a mean ± SD age of 62.6 ± 11.4 y. Sarcopenia and low SMD were highly prevalent (42.4% and 29.6%, respectively). Age and sex interactions were noted for muscle mass, but not SMD. Age was associated with higher odds of muscle abnormalities in a dose-response manner. Compared with those aged ≤50 y, patients aged 70-80 y had considerably higher odds (OR: 6.19; 95% CI: 4.72, 8.11) of sarcopenia, and low SMD (OR: 17.81; 95% CI: 11.73, 27.03). High TAT was related to a higher odds of low SMD (OR: 9.62; 95% CI: 7.37, 12.56), but lower odds of sarcopenia (OR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.48, 0.71). Compared with Caucasians, African Americans had lower odds of sarcopenia and low SMD. Patients with a higher neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio had higher odds of having both muscle abnormalities. Patients who were smokers or had any comorbidity had higher odds of low SMD, but not sarcopenia.

CONCLUSIONS

Muscle abnormalities were common in patients with nonmetastatic CRC, with great variability in muscle mass and SMD across age, TAT, and race/ethnicity. Factors associated with muscle abnormalities may be used to facilitate risk stratification and the guidance of targeted strategies to counteract these abnormalities.

Association Between Changes in Body Composition and Neoadjuvant Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer

IMPORTANCE

Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity have been associated with poor outcomes in unresectable pancreatic cancer (PC). Neoadjuvant treatment (NT) is used increasingly to improve resectability; however, its effects on fat and muscle body composition have not been characterized.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether NT affects muscle mass and adipose tissue in patients with borderline resectable PC (BRPC) and locally advanced PC (LAPC) and determine whether there were potential differences between patients who ultimately underwent resection and those who did not.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

In this retrospective cohort study conducted at 4 academic medical centers, 193 patients with BRPC and LAPC undergoing surgical exploration after NT who had available computed tomographic scans (both at diagnosis and preoperatively) and confirmed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were evaluated. The study was conducted from January 2013 to December 2015. Data analysis was performed from September 2016 to May 2017. Measurement of body compartments was evaluated with volume assessment software before and after NT. A radiologist blinded to the patient outcome assessed the areas of skeletal muscle, total adipose tissue, and visceral adipose tissue through a standardized protocol.

EXPOSURES

Receipt of NT.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Achievement of pancreatic resection at surgical exploration after the receipt of NT.

RESULTS

Of the 193 patients with complete radiologic imaging available after NT, 96 (49.7%) were women; mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 64 (11) years. Most patients received combined therapy with fluorouracil, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and folic acid (124 [64.2%]) and 86 (44.6%) received chemoradiotherapy as well. The median interval between pre-NT and post-NT imaging was 6 months (interquartile range [IQR], 4-7 months). All body compartments significantly changed. The adipose compound decreased (median total adipose tissue area from 284.0 cm2; IQR, 171.0-414.0 to 250.0 cm2; IQR, 139.0-363.0; P < .001; median visceral adipose tissue area from 115.2 cm2; IQR, 59.9-191.0 to 97.7 cm2; IQR, 48.0-149.0 cm2; P < .001), whereas the lean mass slightly improved (median skeletal muscle from 122.1 cm2; IQR, 99.3-142.0 to 123 cm2; IQR 104.8-152.5 cm2; P = .001). Surgical resection was achievable in 136 (70.5%) patients. Patients who underwent resection had experienced a 5.9% skeletal muscle area increase during NT treatment, whereas those who did not undergo resection had a 1.7% decrease (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Patients with PC experience a significant loss of adipose tissue during neoadjuvant chemotherapy, but no muscle wasting. An increase in muscle tissue during NT is associated with resectability.

Sarcopenia is associated with a greater incidence of delayed gastric emptying following pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Sarcopenia is the degenerative loss of skeletal muscle and has been associated with a variety of post-operative complications. We propose sarcopenia is associated with delayed gastric emptying (DGE) following elective pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of a computerised database maintained in real time of all patients undergoing PD within our hepatobiliary unit was performed. The cross-sectional area of the psoas muscle at the upper border of L3 was calculated and corrected for patient height. The lowest quartile of gender specific groups was considered to be sarcopenic.

RESULTS

61 patients were included, 32 male and 29 female of whom 8 from each group were sarcopenic (26.2%). Although the sarcopenic and non-sarcopenia groups were found to be comparable, significantly more sarcopenic patients were older (75 vs 64 years, p = 0.003), had a lower body mass index (21.9 vs 25.0 kg/m², p = 0.003) and suffered from DGE (7/16 vs 8/45, p = 0.045). On multivariate analysis, these variables maintained their significance with DGE having an OR of 6.042 (p = 0.036).

CONCLUSION

Sarcopenia is significantly associated with DGE, older age and lower BMI in this specific cohort of patients. Further research into the reversibility of this phenomenon is warranted.

Nutritional support and therapy in pancreatic surgery: A position paper of the International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS)

BACKGROUND

The optimal nutritional therapy in the field of pancreatic surgery is still debated.

METHODS

An international panel of recognized pancreatic surgeons and pancreatologists decided that the topic of nutritional support was of importance in pancreatic surgery. Thus, they reviewed the best contemporary literature and worked to develop a position paper to provide evidence supporting the integration of appropriate nutritional support into the overall management of patients undergoing pancreatic resection. Strength of recommendation and quality of evidence were based on the approach of the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation Working Group.

RESULTS

The measurement of nutritional status should be part of routine preoperative assessment because malnutrition is a recognized risk factor for surgery-related complications. In addition to patient's weight loss and body mass index, measurement of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity should be considered in the preoperative evaluation because they are strong predictors of poor short-term and long-term outcomes. The available data do not show any definitive nutritional advantages for one specific type of gastrointestinal reconstruction technique after pancreatoduodenectomy over the others. Postoperative early resumption of oral intake is safe and should be encouraged within enhanced recovery protocols, but in the case of severe postoperative complications or poor tolerance of oral food after the operation, supplementary artificial nutrition should be started at once. At present, there is not enough evidence to show the benefit of avoiding oral intake in clinically stable patients who are complicated by a clinically irrelevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (a so-called biochemical leak), while special caution should be given to feeding patients with clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula orally. When an artificial nutritional support is needed, enteral nutrition is preferred whenever possible over parenteral nutrition. After the operation, regardless of the type of pancreatic resection or technique of reconstruction, patients should be monitored carefully to assess for the presence of endocrine and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Although fecal elastase-1 is the most readily available clinical test for detection of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, its sensitivity and specificity are low. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy should be initiated routinely after pancreatoduodenectomy and in patients with locally advanced disease and continued for at least 6 months after surgery, because untreated pancreatic exocrine insufficiency may result in severe nutritional derangement.

CONCLUSION

The importance of this position paper is the consensus reached on the topic. Concentrating on nutritional support and therapy is of utmost value in pancreatic surgery for both short- and long-term outcomes.

Sarcopenia and myosteatosis are accompanied by distinct biological profiles in patients with pancreatic and periampullary adenocarcinomas

Introduction

Pancreatic and periampullary adenocarcinomas are associated with abnormal body composition visible on CT scans, including low muscle mass (sarcopenia) and low muscle radiodensity due to fat infiltration in muscle (myosteatosis). The biological and clinical correlates to these features are poorly understood.

Methods

Clinical characteristics and outcomes were studied in 123 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic or non-pancreatic periampullary adenocarcinoma and who had available preoperative CT scans. In a subgroup of patients with pancreatic cancer (n = 29), rectus abdominus muscle mRNA expression was determined by cDNA microarray and in another subgroup (n = 29) ¹H-NMR spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to characterize the serum metabolome.

Results

Muscle mass and radiodensity were not significantly correlated. Distinct groups were identified: sarcopenia (40.7%), myosteatosis (25.2%), both (11.4%). Fat distribution differed in these groups; sarcopenia associated with lower subcutaneous adipose tissue (P<0.0001) and myosteatosis associated with greater visceral adipose tissue (P<0.0001). Sarcopenia, myosteatosis and their combined presence associated with shorter survival, Log Rank P = 0.005, P = 0.06, and P = 0.002, respectively. In muscle, transcriptomic analysis suggested increased inflammation and decreased growth in sarcopenia and disrupted oxidative phosphorylation and lipid accumulation in myosteatosis. In the circulating metabolome, metabolites consistent with muscle catabolism associated with sarcopenia. Metabolites consistent with disordered carbohydrate metabolism were identified in both sarcopenia and myosteatosis.

Discussion

Muscle phenotypes differ clinically and biologically. Because these muscle phenotypes are linked to poor survival, it will be imperative to delineate their pathophysiologic mechanisms, including whether they are driven by variable tumor biology or host response.

Comparing Western and Eastern criteria for sarcopenia and their association with survival in patients with pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Sarcopenia and cachexia are associated with pancreatic cancer and serve as important adverse prognostic factors. Body composition can be analyzed by routine computed tomography (CT) for cancer staging and has been used to study many types of cancer. The CT measurements are robust, but the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia vary among different studies. Age, sex and race are important factors that affect muscle and fat masses. This study aimed to analyze the effect of different sarcopenia diagnostic criteria on the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Patients with newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer at National Taiwan University Hospital between October 2013 and October 2016 were retrospectively reviewed in this study. Body composition was assessed using cross-sectional CT images to calculate the total skeletal muscle (TSM) index. The concordance and interobserver variability of the TSM measurements were evaluated using both the Western criteria and the Eastern criteria. Kaplan-Meier analyses and the Cox proportional hazard ratio with two different diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia were used to compare the effect on overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

A total of 146 patients with pancreatic cancer were enrolled. The TSM index measured by the Western institute was highly correlated with that measured by the Eastern institute (r = 0.953, p < 0.001). The prevalence of sarcopenia in the patient group at baseline was 66.4% (97/146) by the Western criteria and 11.0% (16/146) by the Eastern criteria, and only low agreement was found between the Western and Eastern criteria (Kappa value = 0.028, p = 0.149). Patients who were sarcopenic by the Western criteria showed no significant difference in OS versus those who were not sarcopenic (p = 0.807). However, patients who were sarcopenic by the Eastern criteria showed a significant difference in OS versus those who were not sarcopenic in a univariate analysis (p = 0.008) and multivariate analysis after adjustment for AJCC stage (p = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that different diagnostic criteria may result in different diagnoses and that sarcopenia is an important poor prognostic factor for pancreatic cancer when appropriate diagnostic criteria are selected.

Impact of sarcopenia in borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancer patients receiving stereotactic body radiation therapy

Background

Total psoas area (TPA), a marker of sarcopenia, has been used as an independent predictor of clinical outcomes in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers as a proxy for frailty and nutritional status. Our study aimed to evaluate whether TPA, in contrast to traditional measurements of nutrition like body mass index (BMI) and body surface area (BSA), was predictive of outcomes in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) and locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) patients receiving stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of an institutional review board approved database of 222 BRPC and LAPC treated with SBRT from 2009-2016 yielded 183 patients that met our selection criteria of pre-SBRT computed tomography (CT) imaging with an identifiable L4 vertebra. Once the L4 vertebral level was identified, the bilateral psoas muscles were manually contoured. This area was normalized by patient height, with units described in mm²/m². Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated for TPA, BMI, and BSA to elicit clinically relevant cutoffs. Regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to correlate toxicity with survival functions.

Results

Low TPA (OR =1.903, P=0.036) was predictive of acute toxicities, and only TPA was predictive of Grade 3 or higher acute toxicities (OR =10.24, P=0.007). Both findings were independent of tumor resectability. Pain (P=0.003), fatigue (P=0.040), and nausea (P=0.039) were significantly associated with low TPA. No association was identified between any measurement of nutritional status and the development of late toxicities, overall survival, local progression or local recurrence. However, BRPC patients survived longer (median =21.98 months) than their LAPC (median =16.2 months) counterparts (P=0.002), independent of nutritional status.

Conclusions

TPA measurement is readily available and more specific than BMI or BSA as a predictor of acute radiotoxic complications following SBRT in BRPC/LAPC patients. A TPA of <500 mm²/m² is a clinically relevant cutoff that can direct physicians to address expected complications of pain, fatigue, and nausea. However, tumor resectability remains as the only predictor of overall survival in this cohort.

Influence of nutritional status on postoperative outcome in patients with colorectal cancer - the emerging role of the microbiome

Many patients with colorectal cancer are overweight. Even then, nutritional status is a frequently underestimated risk factor for perioperative complications. Enhanced Recovery after Surgery is the goal for perioperative management, and preoperative nutritional risk screening should be a standard. In case of nutritional risk, perioperative nutrition therapy should be started without delay and should follow recent guideline recommendations. The preservation of the microbiome has an emerging role in preventing postoperative anastomotic leakage and septic complications. The time window for recovery after neoadjuvant treatment for rectal cancer may be used for conditioning appropriate-risk patients in a “prehabilitation” program. In order to assess metabolic recovery and the prognosis for long-term survival, C-reactive protein/albumin ratio may be a promising parameter, which has to be validated in the future. This narrative review summarizes recent strategies and guideline recommendations.

Effect of pretreatment psoas muscle mass on survival for patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer undergoing systemic chemotherapy

To the best of our knowledge, there are few previous studies that have investigated the effect of decreased skeletal muscle mass (DSMM) on survival in patients with unresectable advanced pancreatic cancer (APC) who are undergoing systemic chemotherapy. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the impact of DSMM, as determined by the psoas muscle index (PMI) following computed tomography and prior to systemic chemotherapy, on the outcomes of patients with unresectable APC (n=61). The primary endpoint used was the overall survival (OS) rate. The OS rates in the PMI-High group (exceeds the median PMI value in each gender) were retrospectively compared with those in the PMI-Low group (below the median PMI value in each gender), and factors associated with OS were investigated using univariate and multivariate analyses. The study cohort included 31 male and 30 female patients with a median age of 72 years, 13 of whom were stage IVA, and 48 were stage IVB. The median PMI in males was 4.3 cm²/m² (range, 1.6-8.2 cm²/m²), while that in females was 2.3 cm²/m² (range, 0.7-6.1 cm²/m²). The proportion of patients with performance status 0 in the PMI-High group was significantly high, compared with that in the PMI-Low group [83.3% (25/30) vs. 58.1% (18/31); P=0.0486]. Body mass index in the PMI-High group was significantly higher compared with that in the PMI-Low group (P=0.0154). The 1-year cumulative survival rate was 43.3% in the PMI-High group and 12.9% in the PMI-Low group (P=0.0027). Following multivariate analysis, PMI (P=0.0036), prothrombin time (P=0.0044) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (P=0.0451) were identified to be significant predictors of OS. In conclusion, DSMM, as determined by the PMI, could be a significant predictor of prognosis in patients with unresectable APC who are receiving systemic chemotherapy.

Comparison of Prognostic Impact between the Child-Pugh Score and Skeletal Muscle Mass for Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

AIMS

To investigate the influence of skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) as determined by bioimpedance analysis (BIA) (appendicular skeletal muscle mass/(height)²) on survival by comparing the Child-Pugh score in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC, n = 383, average age = 65.2 years).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In terms of comparison of the effects of SMI and other markers on survival, we used time-dependent receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

The average SMI for male was 7.4 cm²/m² whereas that for female was 6.0 cm²/m² (p < 0.0001). As for the Child-Pugh score, five points were in the majority, both in males (51.7%, (106/205)) and females (44.9%, (80/178)). For both genders, the survival curve was well stratified according to SMI (p < 0.0001 for males and p = 0.0056 for females). In the multivariate analysis for survival, SMI and Child-Pugh scores were found to be significant both in males and females. In time-dependent ROC analyses, all area under the ROCs (AUROCs) for SMI in each time point were higher than those for Child-Pugh scores in males, while in females AUROCs for Child-Pugh scores at each time point were higher than those for SMI.

CONCLUSION

SMI using BIA can be helpful for predicting outcomes, at least in male LC patients.