Clinical and Nutritional Care Pathways of Patients with Malignant Bowel Obstruction: A Retrospective Analysis in a Tertiary UK Center

Inoperable malignant bowel obstruction: palliative interventions outcomes - mixed-methods systematic review

BACKGROUND

Parenteral nutrition (PN) and palliative venting gastrostomies (PVG) are two interventions used clinically to manage inoperable malignant bowel obstruction (MBO); however, little is known about their role in clinical and quality-of-life outcomes to inform clinical decision making.

AIM

To examine the impact of PN and PVG on clinical and quality-of-life outcomes in inoperable MBO.

DESIGN

A mixed-methods systematic review and narrative synthesis.

DATA SOURCES

The following databases were searched (from inception to 29 April 2021): MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, CINAHL, Bielefeld Academic Search Engine, Health Technology Assessment and CareSearch for qualitative or quantitative studies of MBO, and PN or PVG. Titles, abstracts and papers were independently screened and quality appraised.

RESULTS

A total of 47 studies representing 3538 participants were included. Current evidence cannot tell us whether these interventions improve MBO survival, but this was a firm belief by patients and clinicians informing their decision. Both interventions appear to allow patients valuable time at home. PVG provides relief from nausea and vomiting. Both interventions improve quality of life but not without significant burdens. Nutritional and performance status may be maintained or improved with PN.

CONCLUSION

PN and PVG seem to allow valuable time at home. We found no conclusive evidence to show either intervention prolonged survival, due to the lack of randomised controlled trials that have to date not been performed due to concerns about equipoise. Well-designed studies regarding survival for both interventions are needed.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020164170.

MASCC multidisciplinary evidence-based recommendations for the management of malignant bowel obstruction in advanced cancer

PURPOSE

To provide evidence-based recommendations on the management of malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) for patients with advanced cancer.

METHODS

The Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) MBO study group conducted a systematic review of databases (inception to March 2021) to identify studies about patients with advanced cancer and MBO that reported on the following outcomes: symptom management, bowel obstruction resolution, prognosis, overall survival, and quality of life. The review was restricted to studies published in English, but no restrictions were placed on publication year, country, and study type. As per the MASCC Guidelines Policy, the findings were synthesized to determine the levels of evidence to support each MBO intervention and, ultimately, the graded recommendations and suggestions.

RESULTS

The systematic review identified 17,656 published studies and 397 selected for the guidelines. The MASCC study group developed a total of 25 evidence-based suggestions and recommendations about the management of MBO-related nausea and vomiting, bowel movements, pain, inflammation, bowel decompression, and nutrition. Expert consensus-based guidance about advanced care planning and psychosocial support is also provided.

CONCLUSION

This MASCC Guideline provides comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations about MBO management for patients with advanced cancer.

Nutritional Status and Quality of Life in Hospitalised Cancer Patients Who Develop Intestinal Failure and Require Parenteral Nutrition: An Observational Study

(1) Background: Malnutrition in cancer patients impacts quality of life (QoL) and performance status (PS). When oral/enteral nutrition is not possible and patients develop intestinal failure, parenteral nutrition (PN) is indicated. Our aim was to assess nutritional status, QoL, and PS in hospitalised cancer patients recently initiated on PN for intestinal failure. (2) Methods: The design was a cross-sectional observational study. The following information was captured: demographic, anthropometric, biochemical and medical information, as well as nutritional screening tool (NST), patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA), functional assessment of cancer therapy-general (FACT-G), and Karnofsky PS (KPS) data. (3) Results: Among 85 PN referrals, 30 oncology patients (56.2 years, 56.7% male) were identified. Mean weight (60.3 ± 16.6 kg) corresponded to normal body mass index values (21.0 ± 5.1 kg/m2). However, weight loss was significant in patients with gastrointestinal tumours (p < 0.01). A high malnutrition risk was present in 53.3-56.7% of patients, depending on the screening tool. Patients had impaired QoL (FACT-G: 26.6 ± 9.8) but PS indicated above average capability with independent daily activities (KPS: 60 ± 10). (4) Conclusions: Future research should assess the impact of impaired NS and QoL on clinical outcomes such as survival, with a view to encompassing nutritional and QoL assessment in the management pathway of this patient group.