Pulmonary function and cardiac stress test after multimodality treatment of esophageal cancer

Measurement and optimization of perioperative risk among patients undergoing surgery for esophageal cancer

Esophagectomy is an exemplar of complex oncological surgery and is associated with a relatively high risk of major morbidity and mortality. In the modern era, where specific complications are targeted in prevention and treatment pathways, and where the principles of enhanced recovery after surgery are espoused, optimum outcomes are targeted via a number of approaches. These include comprehensive clinical and physiological risk assessment, specialist perioperative care by a high-volume team, and multimodal inputs throughout the patient journey that aim to preserve or restore nutritional deficits, muscle mass and function.

Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Versus Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Locally Advanced Esophageal Adenocarcinoma in the European Multicenter ENSURE Study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare clinicopathologic, oncologic, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) outcomes following neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) and chemotherapy (nCT) in the ENSURE international multicenter study.

BACKGROUND

nCT and nCRT are the standards of care for locally advanced esophageal cancer (LAEC) treated with curative intent. However, no published randomized controlled trial to date has demonstrated the superiority of either approach.

METHODS

ENSURE is an international multicenter study of consecutive patients undergoing surgery for LAEC (2009-2015) across 20 high-volume centers (NCT03461341). The primary outcome measure was overall survival (OS), secondary outcomes included histopathologic response, recurrence pattern, oncologic outcome, and HRQL in survivorship.

RESULTS

A total of 2211 patients were studied (48% nCT, 52% nCRT). pCR was observed in 4.9% and 14.7% ( P <0.001), with R0 in 78.2% and 94.2% ( P <0.001) post nCT and nCRT, respectively. Postoperative morbidity was equivalent, but in-hospital mortality was independently increased [hazard ratio (HR)=2.73, 95% CI: 1.43-5.21, P= 0.002] following nCRT versus nCT. Probability of local recurrence was reduced (odds ratio=0.71, 95% CI: 0.54-0.93, P =0.012), and distant recurrence-free survival time reduced (HR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.02-1.37, P =0.023) after nCRT versus nCT, with no difference in OS among all patients (HR=1.10, 95% CI: 0.98-1.25, P =0.113). On subgroup analysis, patients who underwent R0 resection following nCT as compared with nCRT had improved OS (median: 60.7 months, 95% CI: 49.5-71.8 vs 40.8 months, 95% CI: 42.8-53.4, P <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this European multicenter study, nCRT compared with nCT was associated with reduced probability of local recurrence but reduced distant recurrence-free survival for patients with LAEC, without differences in OS. These data support tailored patient-specific decision-making in the overall approach to achieving optimum outcomes in LAEC.

Reduction in myocardial function and oxygen consumption after chemoradiotherapy in patients with esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) may induce myocardial dysfunction, congestive heart failure, and impaired physical performance in patients with esophageal cancer (EC). We aimed to investigate left ventricular (LV) function at rest and during stress, using echocardiography (echo) and a cardiopulmonary exercise (CPX) test both before and immediately after completing CRT.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Consecutive EC patients referred for curative treatment were enrolled. Patients attended either definitive CRT or neoadjuvant CRT with subsequent surgery. The evaluation included cardiac biomarkers, electrocardiogram, echo, and CPX test. The primary endpoint was changes in left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) at rest. Secondary endpoints were LV ejection fraction (LVEF), LV diastolic function, LVEF and GLS at peak exercise, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO_2max). The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03619317).

RESULTS

Among 47 patients enrolled (94% male; median age 67 years, range 50-86 years), cardiac examinations were performed a median of three days [Interquartile range (IQR (1-5))] before CRT and one day [IQR (0-6)] after CRT. At rest, GLS and LVEF decreased, 17.6 vs. 16.4% and 56.4 vs. 55.1%, respectively (p = 0.004; p = 0.030). Furthermore, an absolute decrease of at least 5% in LVEF and 2.5% in GLS was noted in 21% of the patients. Signs of LV diastolic dysfunction increased from 13 to 21% (p = ns). VO_2max significantly decreased; 21.2 ml/kg/min vs. 18.8 ml/kg/min (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

LV function and physical performance decreased in EC patients after CRT, and the LV systolic reserve capacity declined. This study highlighted that EC treatment was associated with early cardiac side effects, which may have clinical and prognostic implications.

Impact of curative treatment on the physical fitness of patients with esophageal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Esophageal cancer and curative treatment have a significant impact on the physical fitness of patients. Knowledge about the course of physical fitness during neoadjuvant therapy and esophagectomy is helpful to determine the needs for interventions during and after curative treatment. This study aims to review the current evidence on the impact of curative treatment on the physical fitness of patients with esophageal cancer.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, Cinahl and the Cochrane Library was conducted up to March 29, 2021. We included observational studies investigating the change of physical fitness (including exercise capacity, muscle strength, physical activity and activities of daily living) from pre-to post-neoadjuvant therapy and/or from pre-to post-esophagectomy. Quality of the studies was assessed and a meta-analysis was performed using standardized mean differences.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven articles were included. After neoadjuvant therapy, physical fitness decreased significantly. In the first three months after surgery, physical fitness was also significantly decreased compared to preoperative values. Subgroup analysis showed a restore in exercise capacity three months after surgery in patients who followed an exercise program. Six months after surgery, there was limited evidence that exercise capacity restored to preoperative values.

CONCLUSION

Curative treatment seems to result in a decrease of physical fitness in patients with esophageal cancer, up to three months postoperatively. Six months postoperatively, results were conflicting. In patients who followed a pre- or postoperative exercise program, the postoperative impact of curative treatment seems to be less.

FLOT-regimen Chemotherapy and Transthoracic en bloc Resection for Esophageal and Junctional Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The FLOT4-AIO trial established the FLOT regimen (Fluorouracil, Leucovorin, Oxaliplatin, and Docetaxel) as a compelling option for gastric, junctional and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Data on FLOT with en-bloc transthoracic esophagectomy (TTE) are limited. This study explored operative complications, tolerance, toxicity, physiological impact, and oncologic outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

An observational cohort study on consecutive patients at 3 tertiary centers undergoing FLOT and TTE. Toxicity, operative complications (per ECCG definitions), tumor regression grade (TRG), recurrences and survival were documented, as well as pre- and post FLOT assessment of sarcopenia and pulmonary physiology.

RESULTS

175 patients (cT2-4a, Nany) commenced treatment, 84% male, median age 65, 94% cT3/T4a, 73% cN+. 89% completed 4 preoperative cycles, and 35% all cycles. Grade 3/4 toxicities included neutropenia (12%), diarrhoea (13%), and infection (15%). Sarcopenia increased from 18% to 37% (p = 0.020), and diffusion capacity (DLCO) decreased by 8% (-34%+25%; p < 0.010). On pathology, ypT3/4 was 59%, and ypN+54%, with 10% TRG 1, 14% TRG 2, and 76% TRG3-5, and R0 95%. 161 underwent TTE, with an in-hospital mortality of 0.6%, 24%-pneumonia, 11%-anastomotic leak, and Clavien Dindo ≥III in 27%. At a median follow up of 12 months (1-85), 33 relapsed, 8 (5%) locally, and 3yr survival was 60%.

CONCLUSION

FLOT and en bloc TTE was safe, with no discernible impact on operative complications, with 24% having a major pathologic response. Caveats include a limited pathologic response in the majority, and negative impact on muscle mass and lung physiology, and low use of adjuvant cycles. These data may provide a real-world benchmark for this complex care pathway.

Supervised exercise after oesophageal cancer surgery: the PERFECT multicentre randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

This study investigated whether a supervised exercise programme improves quality of life (QoL), fatigue and cardiorespiratory fitness in patients in the first year after oesophagectomy.

METHODS

The multicentre PERFECT trial randomly assigned patients to an exercise intervention (EX) or usual care (UC) group. EX patients participated in a 12-week moderate- to high-intensity aerobic and resistance exercise programme supervised by a physiotherapist. Primary (global QoL, QoL summary score) and secondary (QoL subscales, fatigue and cardiorespiratory fitness) outcomes were assessed at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks and analysed as between-group differences using either linear mixed effects models or ANCOVA.

RESULTS

A total of 120 patients (mean(s.d.) age 64(8) years) were included and randomized to EX (61 patients) or UC (59 patients). Patients in the EX group participated in 96 per cent (i.q.r. 92-100 per cent) of the exercise sessions and the relative exercise dose intensity was high (92 per cent). At 12 weeks, beneficial EX effects were found for QoL summary score (3.5, 95 per cent c.i. 0.2 to 6.8) and QoL role functioning (9.4, 95 per cent c.i. 1.3 to 17.5). Global QoL was not statistically significant different between groups (3.0, 95 per cent c.i. -2.2 to 8.2). Physical fatigue was lower in the EX group (-1.2, 95 per cent c.i. -2.6 to 0.1), albeit not significantly. There was statistically significant improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness following EX compared with UC (peak oxygen uptake (1.8 ml/min/kg, 95 per cent c.i. 0.6 to 3.0)). After 24 weeks, all EX effects were attenuated.

CONCLUSIONS

A supervised exercise programme improved cardiorespiratory fitness and aspects of QoL.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Dutch Trial Register NTR 5045 (www.trialregister.nl/trial/4942).

Addressing the changing rehabilitation needs of patients undergoing thoracic surgery

The rehabilitation needs of individuals undergoing thoracic surgery are changing, especially as surgical management is increasingly being offered to patients who are at risk of developing functional limitations during and after hospital discharge. In the past rehabilitative management of these patients was frequently limited to specific respiratory physiotherapy interventions in the immediate postoperative setting with the aim to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications. In the past two decades, this focus has shifted toward pulmonary rehabilitation interventions that aim to improve functional status of individuals, both in the pre- and (longer-term) postoperative period. While there is increased interest in (p)rehabilitation interventions the majority of thoracic surgery patients are however currently on their own with respect to progression of their exercise and physical activity regimens after they have been discharged from hospital. There are also no formal guidelines supporting the referral of these patients to outpatient rehabilitation programs. The current evidence regarding rehabilitation interventions initiated before, during, and after the hospitalization period will be briefly reviewed with special focus on patients undergoing surgery for lung cancer treatment and patients undergoing lung transplantation. More research will be necessary in the coming years to modify or change clinical rehabilitation practice beyond the acute admission phase in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Tele rehabilitation or web-based activity counseling programs might also be interesting emerging alternatives in the (long-term) postoperative rehabilitative treatment of these patients.

Surgical Morbidity and Mortality From the Multicenter Randomized Controlled NeoRes II Trial: Standard Versus Prolonged Time to Surgery After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Esophageal Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To investigate if prolonged TTS after completed nCRT improves postoperative outcomes for esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

TTS has traditionally been 4-6 weeks after completed nCRT. However, the optimal timing is not known.

METHODS

A multicenter clinical trial was performed with randomized allocation of TTS of 4-6 or 10-12 weeks. The primary endpoint of this sub-study was overall postoperative complications defined as Clavien-Dindo grade II-V. Secondary endpoints included complication severity according to Clavien-Dindo grade IIIb-V, postoperative 90-day mortality, and length of hospital stay. The study was registered in Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02415101).

RESULTS

In total 249 patients were randomized. There were no significant differences between standard TTS and prolonged TTS with regard to overall incidence of complications Clavien-Dindo grade II-V (63.2% vs 72.6%, P = 0.134) or regarding Clavien-Dindo grade IIIb-V complications (31.6% vs 34.9%, P = 0.603). There were no statistically significant differences between standard and prolonged TTS regarding anastomotic leak (P = 0.596), conduit necrosis (P = 0.524), chyle leak (P = 0.427), pneumonia (P = 0.548), and respiratory failure (P = 0.723). In the standard TTS arm 5 patients (4.3%) died within 90 days of surgery, compared to 4 patients (3.8%) in the prolonged TTS arm (P = 1.0). Median length of hospital stay was 15 days in the standard TTS arm and 17 days in the prolonged TTS arm (P = 0.234).

CONCLUSION

The timing of surgery after completed nCRT for carcinoma of the esophagus or esophagogastric junction, is not of major importance with regard to short-term postoperative outcomes.

Effects of high-intensity exercise training on physical fitness, quality of life and treatment outcomes after oesophagectomy for cancer of the gastro-oesophageal junction: PRESET pilot study

Background

Treatment for cancer of the gastro‐oesophageal junction (GOJ) can result in considerable and persistent impairment of physical fitness and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). This controlled follow‐up study investigated the feasibility and safety of postoperative exercise training.

Methods

Patients with stage I–III GOJ cancer were allocated to 12 weeks of postoperative concurrent aerobic and resistance training (exercise group) or usual care (control group). Changes in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength and HRQoL were evaluated. Adherence to adjuvant chemotherapy, hospitalizations and 1‐year overall survival were recorded to assess safety.

Results

Some 49 patients were studied. The exercise group attended a mean of 69 per cent of all prescribed sessions. After exercise, muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness were increased and returned to pretreatment levels. At 1‐year follow‐up, the exercise group had improved HRQoL (+13·5 points, 95 per cent c.i. 2·2 to 24·9), with no change in the control group (+3·7 points, −5·9 to 13·4), but there was no difference between the groups at this time point (+9·8 points, −5·1 to 24·8). Exercise was safe, with no differences in patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (14 of 16 versus 16 of 19; relative risk (RR) 1·04, 95 per cent c.i. 0·74 to 1·44), relative dose intensity of adjuvant chemotherapy (mean 57 versus 63 per cent; P = 0·479), hospitalization (7 of 19 versus 6 of 23; RR 1·41, 0·57 to 3·49) or 1‐year overall survival (80 versus 79 per cent; P = 0·839) for exercise and usual care respectively.

Conclusion

Exercise in the postoperative period is safe and may have the potential to improve physical fitness in patients with GOJ cancer. No differences in prognostic endpoints or HRQoL were observed. Registration number: NCT02722785 ( https://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Cardiorespiratory Comorbidity and Postoperative Complications following Esophagectomy: a European Multicenter Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The impact of cardiorespiratory comorbidity on operative outcomes after esophagectomy remains controversial. This study investigated the effect of cardiorespiratory comorbidity on postoperative complications for patients treated for esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A European multicenter cohort study from five high-volume esophageal cancer centers including patients treated between 2010 and 2017 was conducted. The effect of cardiorespiratory comorbidity and respiratory function upon postoperative outcomes was assessed.

RESULTS

In total 1590 patients from five centers were included; 274 (17.2%) had respiratory comorbidity, and 468 (29.4%) had cardiac comorbidity. Respiratory comorbidity was associated with increased risk of overall postoperative complications, anastomotic leak, pulmonary complications, pneumonia, increased Clavien-Dindo score, and critical care and hospital length of stay. After neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, respiratory comorbidity was associated with increased risk of anastomotic leak [odds ratio (OR) 1.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-3.04], pneumonia (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.10-2.47), and any pulmonary complication (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.04-2.22), an effect which was not observed following neoadjuvant chemotherapy or surgery alone. Cardiac comorbidity was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and pulmonary complications, respiratory failure, and Clavien-Dindo score ≥ IIIa. Among all patients, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio > 70% was associated with reduced risk of overall postoperative complications, cardiovascular complications, atrial fibrillation, pulmonary complications, and pneumonia.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that cardiorespiratory comorbidity and impaired pulmonary function are associated with increased risk of postoperative complications after esophagectomy performed in high-volume European centers. Given the observed interaction with neoadjuvant approach, these data indicate a potentially modifiable index of perioperative risk.

The RESTORE Randomized Controlled Trial: Impact of a Multidisciplinary Rehabilitative Program on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Esophagogastric cancer Survivorship

OBJECTIVE

The Rehabilitation Strategies in Esophagogastric cancer (RESTORE) randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of a 12-week multidisciplinary program to increase the cardiorespiratory fitness and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of esophagogastric cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND

Patients following treatment for esophagogastric cancer are at risk of physical deconditioning, nutritional compromise, and sarcopenia. Accordingly, compelling rationale exists to target these impairments in recovery.

METHODS

Disease-free patients treated for esophagogastric cancer were randomized to either usual care or the 12-week RESTORE program (exercise training, dietary counseling, and multidisciplinary education). The primary outcome was cardiopulmonary exercise testing (VO2peak). Secondary outcomes included body composition (bioimpedance analysis), and HRQOL (EORTC-QLQ-C30). Outcomes were assessed at baseline (T0), postintervention (T1), and at 3-month follow-up (T2).

RESULTS

Twenty-two participants were randomized to the control group [mean (standard deviation) age 64.14 (10.46) yr, body mass index 25.67 (4.83) kg/m, time postsurgery 33.68 (19.56) mo], and 21 to the intervention group [age 67.19(7.49) yr, body mass index 25.69(4.02) kg/m, time postsurgery 23.52(15.23) mo]. Mean adherence to prescribed exercise sessions were 94(12)% (supervised) and 78(27)% (unsupervised). Correcting for baseline VO2peak, the intervention arm had significantly higher VO2peak at both T1, 22.20 (4.35) versus 21.41 (4.49) mL · min · kg, P < 0.001, and T2, 21.75 (4.27) versus 20.74 (4.65) mL · min · kg, P = 0.001, compared with the control group. Correcting for baseline values, no changes in body composition or HRQOL were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The RESTORE program significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness of disease-free patients after esophagogastric cancer surgery, without compromise to body composition. This randomized controlled trial provides proof of principle for rehabilitation programs in esophagogastric cancer.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03314311.

Health-related quality of life in a randomized trial of neoadjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy plus surgery in patients with oesophageal cancer (NeoRes trial)

BACKGROUND

There are few data comparing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone (nCT) compared with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in patients with oesophageal cancer.

METHODS

In the NeoRes trial, patients were assigned randomly in a 1 : 1 ratio to receive either cisplatin 100 mg/m² on day 1 and an infusion of 750 mg per m² 5-fluorouracil over 24 h on days 1-5 in three 21-day cycles (nCT) or the same chemotherapy regimen, but with the addition of 40 Gy radiotherapy (nCRT). HRQoL data were collected at baseline, after neoadjuvant therapy and at 1, 3 and 5 years after surgery. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core questionnaire QLQ-C30 and disease-specific modules were used.

RESULTS

Of 181 patients randomized, 165 were included in the analysis of HRQoL. In a direct comparison between the allocated treatments, odynophagia after completion of neoadjuvant therapy but before surgery (P = 0·047) and troublesome coughing at 3 years' follow-up (P = 0·011) were more pronounced in the nCRT arm. In the longitudinal analyses within each treatment arm, a large deterioration in HRQoL was noted at 1 year. Some recovery was seen in both arms over time but, after 3 and 5 years, patients in the nCRT arm reported more symptoms compared with baseline than patients in the nCT arm.

CONCLUSION

HRQoL after multimodal treatment for cancer of the oesophagus or gastro-oesophageal junction was impaired and more pronounced in patients who underwent nCRT, with only partial recovery over time.

Measuring the impact of oesophagectomy on physical functioning and physical activity participation: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Oesophagectomy remains the only curative intervention for oesophageal cancer, with defined nutritional and health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) consequences. It follows therefore that there is a significant risk of decline in physical wellbeing with oesophagectomy however this has been inadequately quantified. This study prospectively examines change in physical functioning and habitual physical activity participation, from pre-surgery through 6-months post-oesophagectomy.

METHODS

Patients scheduled for oesophagectomy with curative intent were recruited. Key domains of physical functioning including exercise tolerance (six-minute walk test (6MWT)) and muscle strength (hand-grip strength), and habitual physical activity participation, including sedentary behaviour (accelerometry) were measured pre-surgery (T0) and repeated at 1-month (T1) and 6-months (T2) post-surgery. HR-QOL was measured using the EORTC-QOL C30.

RESULTS

Thirty-six participants were studied (mean age 62.4 (8.8) years, n = 26 male, n = 26 transthoracic oesophagectomy). Mean 6MWT distance decreased significantly from T0 to T1 (p = 0.006) and returned to T0 levels between T1 and T2 (p < 0.001). Percentage time spent sedentary increased throughout recovery (p < 0.001) and remained significantly higher at T2 in comparison to T0 (p = 0.003). In contrast, percentage time spent engaged in either light or moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity, all reduced significantly (p < 0.001 for both) and remained significantly lower at T2 in comparison to T0 (p = 0.009 and p = 0.01 respectively). Patients reported deficits in multiple domains of HR-QOL during recovery including global health status (p = 0.04), physical functioning (p < 0.001) and role functioning (p < 0.001). Role functioning remained a clinically important 33-points lower than pre-operative values at T2.

CONCLUSION

Habitual physical activity participation remains significantly impaired at 6-months post-oesophagectomy. Physical activity is a measurable and modifiable target for physical rehabilitation, which is closely aligned with patient-reported deficits in role functioning. Rehabilitation aimed at optimising physical health in oesophageal cancer survivorship is warranted.

Effect of neoadjuvant chemoradiation on preoperative pulmonary physiology, postoperative respiratory complications and quality of life in patients with oesophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

It remains controversial whether neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) for oesophageal cancer influences operative morbidity, in particular pulmonary, and quality of life. This study combined clinical outcome data with systematic evaluation of pulmonary physiology to determine the impact of nCRT on pulmonary physiology and clinical outcomes in locally advanced oesophageal cancer.

METHODS

Consecutive patients treated between 2010 and 2016 were included. Three-dimensional conformal radiation was standard, with a lung dose-volume histogram of V20 less than 25 per cent, and total radiation between 40 and 41·4 Gy. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) were assessed at baseline and 1 month after nCRT. Radiation-induced lung injury (grade 2 or greater), comprehensive complications index (CCI) and pulmonary complications were monitored prospectively. Health-related quality of life was assessed among disease-free patients in survivorship.

RESULTS

Some 228 patients were studied. Comparing pulmonary physiology values before with those after nCRT, FEV1 decreased from mean(s.d.) 96·8(17·7) to 91·5(20·4) per cent (-3·6(10·6) per cent; P < 0·001), FVC from 104·9(15·6) to 98·1(19·8) per cent (-3·2(11·9) per cent; P = 0·005) and DLCO from 97·6(20·7) to 82·2(20·4) per cent (-14·8(14·0) per cent; P < 0·001). Five patients (2·2 per cent) developed radiation-induced lung injury precluding surgical resection. Smoking (P = 0·005) and increased age (P < 0·001) independently predicted percentage change in DLCO. Carboplatin and paclitaxel with 41·4 Gy resulted in a greater DLCO decline than cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil with 40 Gy (P = 0·001). On multivariable analysis, post-treatment DLCO predicted CCI (P = 0·006), respiratory failure (P = 0·020) and reduced physical function in survivorship (P = 0·047).

CONCLUSION

These data indicate that modern nCRT alters pulmonary physiology, in particular diffusion capacity, which is linked to short- and longer-term clinical consequences, highlighting a potentially modifiable index of risk.

Sarcopenia during neoadjuvant therapy for oesophageal cancer: characterising the impact on muscle strength and physical performance

PURPOSE

Preoperative chemo(radio)therapy for oesophageal cancer (OC) may have an attritional impact on body composition and functional status, impacting postoperative outcome. Physical decline with skeletal muscle loss has not been previously characterised in OC and may be amenable to physical rehabilitation. This study characterises skeletal muscle mass and physical performance from diagnosis to post-neoadjuvant therapy in patients undergoing preoperative chemo(radio)therapy for OC.

METHODS

Measures of body composition (axial computerised tomography), muscle strength (handgrip), functional capacity (walking distance), anthropometry (weight, height and waist circumference), physical activity, quality-of-life and nutritional status were captured prospectively. Sarcopenia status was defined as pre-sarcopenic (low muscle mass only), sarcopenic (low muscle mass and low muscle strength or function) or severely sarcopenic (low muscle mass and low muscle strength and low muscle function).

RESULTS

Twenty-eight participants were studied at both time points (mean age 62.86 ± 8.18 years, n = 23 male). Lean body mass reduced by 4.9 (95% confidence interval 3.2 to 6.7) kg and mean grip strength reduced by 4.3 (2.5 to 6.1) kg from pre- to post-neoadjuvant therapy. Quality-of-life scores capturing gastrointestinal symptoms improved. Measures of anthropometry, walking distance, physical activity and nutritional status did not change. There was an increase in sarcopenic status from diagnosis (pre-sarcopenic n = 2) to post-treatment (pre-sarcopenic n = 5, severely sarcopenic n = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite maintenance of body weight, functional capacity and activity habits, participants experience declines in muscle mass and strength. Interventions involving exercise and/or nutritional support to build muscle mass and strength during preoperative therapy, even in patients who are functioning normally, are warranted.