Prospective Study of Malabsorption and Malnutrition After Esophageal and Gastric Cancer Surgery. Ann Surg. 2015;262:803-807; discussion 807-808. [PMID: 26583669 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000001445]

Changes in Skeletal Muscle Mass in the First 3 Months Following Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection is the primary treatment for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, but postoperative skeletal muscle loss (SML) is common and linked to poor prognosis. This study aims to identify patterns of muscle change, examine its association with quality of life (QoL), and explore predictors of SML in the first 3 months.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted on patients newly diagnosed with GI cancer and undergoing surgery in China between September 2021 and May 2022. Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and QoL were assessed at admission, 7 days, 1 month, and 3 months post-surgery. Demographic, clinical data, and biomarkers were collected. Missing data were imputed using multiple imputation. Data were analyzed using growth mixture modelling, bivariate analyses, and logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 483 patients completed baseline assessment. Of the 242 patients with complete muscle assessments, 92% experienced SML. Three distinct patterns of muscle change were identified: 57% had normal preoperative SMM with mild postoperative SML, 16% had low preoperative SMM with moderate SML, and 27% had normal preoperative mass but severe postoperative SML. Moderate/severe SML was associated with more postoperative complications, poorer health, and higher symptom burden. Independent predictors included advanced age, preoperative sarcopenia, advanced cancer stage, and low prognostic nutrition index (PNI ≤ 45). The results did not change when using imputed values.

CONCLUSIONS

Although SML is prevalent, patterns of muscle change are heterogeneous among patients. Advanced age, preoperative sarcopenia, advanced cancer stage, and cancer-related inflammation are predictors for moderate/severe SML, highlighting the need for early detection and management.

Severe reflux, malnutrition and health-related quality of life after oesophageal cancer surgery: A prospective nationwide cohort study

INTRODUCTION

While most survivors of oesophageal cancer suffer from multiple symptoms, studies on combined symptom burden are scarce, particularly when looking at long-term outcomes. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between gastro-oesophageal reflux and health-related quality of life in malnourished survivors during the first years after oesophagectomy for cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This nationwide prospective cohort study included all Swedish patients who underwent curatively intended oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer between 2013 and 2020 with 3-year follow-up. Linear mixed effect models were used to analyse the associations between reflux symptoms, malnutrition and HRQL at 1-, 2- and 3 years post-surgery and were presented with mean score difference (MSD) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Among 406 included individuals, malnourished survivors with severe reflux reported more problems with nausea/vomiting (MSD 16.3, 95 % CI: 11.4 to 21.3), pain (MSD 16.5, 95 % CI: 10.2 to 22.8), body image (MSD 12.3, 95 % CI: 5.6 to 19.0), eating restrictions (MSD 11.3, 95 % CI: 6.1 to 16.5), swallowing saliva (MSD 10.0, 95 % CI: 5.2 to 14.8), dry mouth (MSD 10.5, 95 % CI: 2.4 to 18.7), and taste (MSD 14.1, 95 % CI: 7.1 to 21.0) compared to malnourished survivors with no reflux. Nausea/vomiting, financial difficulties, body image, and cognitive function were consistently worse for malnourished individuals with reflux throughout the 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The study suggests that gastro-oesophageal reflux negatively influences health-related quality of life in malnourished oesophageal cancer survivors. Nausea and/or vomiting were consistently worse for malnourished individuals with reflux independent of time point.

Micronutrient deficiencies and anemia in the follow-up after gastroesophageal cancer surgery

Due to insufficient dietary intake and altered digestion and absorption of nutrients, patients after gastroesophageal cancer surgery are at risk of becoming malnourished and consequently develop micronutrient deficiencies. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies and anemia during follow-up after gastroesophageal cancer surgery. This single-center cross-sectional study included patients after resection for esophageal or gastric cancer visiting the outpatient clinic in 2016 and 2017. Only patients without signs of recurrent disease were included. All patients were guided by a dietician in the pre- and postoperative phase. Dietary supplements or enteral tube feeding was prescribed in case of inadequate dietary intake. Blood samples were examined for possible deficiencies or abnormalities in hemoglobin, prothrombin time, iron, ferritin, folic acid, calcium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin D and vitamin E. The percentage of patients with micronutrient deficiencies were scored. Of the 335 patients visiting the outpatient clinic, measurements were performed in 263 patients (221 after esophagectomy and 42 after gastrectomy), resulting in an inclusion rate of 79%. In the esophagectomy group, deficiencies in iron (36%), vitamin D (33%) and zinc (20%) were most prevalent. After gastric resection, deficiencies were most frequently observed in vitamin D (52%), iron (33%), zinc (28%) and ferritin (17%). Low levels of hemoglobin were found in 21% of patients after esophagectomy and 24% after gastrectomy. Despite active nutritional guidance, deficiencies in vitamin D, iron, zinc and ferritin, as well as low levels of hemoglobin, are frequently observed following gastroesophageal resection for cancer. These micronutrients should be periodically checked during follow-up and supplemented if needed.

Understanding and Managing Metabolic Deficiencies Post Bariatric and Esophagectomy Surgeries: A Narrative Review of the Literature

Gastrectomy and esophagectomy are the most performed surgeries in the treatment of both esophageal and gastric cancers. The type of esophagectomy depends on the type of malignancy, site of the tumor, criteria of resection, and field of resection. The three standard approaches to esophagectomy are the transhiatal approach, the left thoracoabdominal approach, and a three-stage procedure. The transhiatal approach involves abdominal and cervical incisions, while the left thoracoabdominal approach is a one-stage procedure that utilizes a single incision exposing the dissection field. The Ivor Lewis and McKeown esophagectomies are two-stage and three-stage surgeries that include laparotomy with right thoracotomy. Malabsorption often emerges as a significant postoperative complication following esophagectomy and gastrectomy surgeries. Malnutrition linked with these cancers has detrimental effects, including heightened rates of postoperative complications, elevated infection risks, delayed wound healing, reduced tolerance to treatment, diminished quality of life, and heightened mortality rates. Our narrative review summarizes and sheds light on solutions to treat malabsorption disorders and malnutrition after gastric bypass surgery. These solutions include methods such as adjustments, supplements, and treatment. Although more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness, these methods indicate potential for lowering the impact on patients' diets. By considering the beneficial implications of these effects and considering solutions, we aim to improve the management of these adverse effects, ultimately improving the overall health and postoperative outcomes of patients.

Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies after surgery for esophageal and gastric cancer: A metanalysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Patients receiving oncological esophagectomy or gastrectomy are known to be at high risk for vitamin and micronutrient deficiency before, during and after surgery. However, there are no clear guidelines for these cancer patients regarding postoperative vitamin supplementation.

METHODS

We conducted a metanalysis consisting of 10 studies regarding vitamin and micronutrient deficiencies after oncological gastric or esophageal resection. 5 databases were searched.

RESULTS

Data was sufficient regarding Vitamins B12 and 25-OH D3 as well as calcium. We were able to show deficiencies in 25-OH Vitamin D3 levels (p < 0.001) and lower levels of Vitamin B12 and calcium (bit p < 0.001) when compared to the healthy population.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients from these groups are at risk for vitamin deficiencies. A guideline on postoperative supplementation is needed.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and pancreatic exocrine replacement therapy in clinical practice

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a complex condition that disrupts normal digestion and absorption. Patients with EPI may suffer from mild to debilitating malabsorption with a constellation of symptoms that can have a significant effect on quality of life and nutrition status. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is effective and safe to treat EPI and is the standard of care for this condition. A wide variety and various forms of these products exist, as well as numerous guidelines and recommendations. Obtaining PERT for patients can oftentimes be cost prohibitive. Determining the presence and extent of EPI can be challenging and patient specific, making it difficult for practitioners. This narrative review will explore these issues, as well as several disease states potentially affected by EPI, and review current management strategies.

Optimal time to initiate early oral feeding in postoperative patients with upper gastrointestinal malignancy: A network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

With the development of enhanced recovery after surgery, early oral feeding is likely to become the preferred mode of nutrition after surgery for upper gastrointestinal tract malignancies. However, the optimal time to initiate early oral feeding remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare the effects of different introduction times of early oral feeding in patients with upper gastrointestinal malignancies in terms of safety, tolerance, and effectiveness and to identify the optimal time for early oral feeding after surgery.

METHODS

A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to identify evidence from relevant randomized controlled trials. Ten electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials from their earliest records to May 2023. Data were analyzed using the Stata 16.0 software.

RESULTS

A total of 22 randomized controlled trials including 2510 patients and seven time points for oral feeding after surgery were considered. Regarding safety, oral feeding initiated on postoperative day 3 may be the safest (high-quality evidence) compared with other times. Regarding tolerance, oral feeding initiated on postoperative day 5 may be the most well-tolerated (moderate-quality evidence) compared with other times. Regarding effectiveness, oral feeding initiated on postoperative day 3 may be the most effective (moderate-quality evidence) compared with other times.

CONCLUSIONS

Early oral feeding is safe, tolerable, and effective in postoperative patients with upper gastrointestinal malignancies. The optimal time to initiate early oral feeding after surgery was most likely postoperative day 3. The results of this meta-analysis provide evidence-based guidelines for clinical decision-making.

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.

Impairment of Nutritional Status and Quality of Life Following Minimal-Invasive Esophagectomy-A Prospective Cohort Analysis

Minimal-invasive resection of the esophagus for esophageal cancer has led to a relevant decrease in postoperative morbidity. Postoperatively, patients still suffer from surgical and adjuvant therapy-related symptoms impairing nutrition and quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status and associated symptoms six months after esophagectomy. Patients who attended follow-up examination six months after minimal-invasive esophagectomy were included. Blood and fecal tests, quality of life surveys (QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OG25) and nutritional risk screening (NRS) were performed. Twenty-four patients participated. The mean weight loss was 11 kg. A significant decrease in vitamin B12 (737 to 467 pg/mL; p = 0.033), ferritin (302 to 126 ng/mL; p = 0.012) and haptoglobin (227 to 152 mg/dL; p = 0.025) was found. In total, 47% of the patients had an impaired pancreatic function (fecal elastase < 500 µg/g). Physical (72 to 58; p = 0.034) and social functioning (67 to 40; p = 0.022) was significantly diminished, while self-reported global health status remained stable (52 to 54). The number of patients screened and found to be in need of nutritional support according to NRS score decreased slightly (59% to 52%). After MIE, patients should be meticulously monitored for nutritional status after surgery.

Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency after non-pancreatic upper gastrointestinal surgery: meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Untreated pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) results in substantial patient harm. Upper gastrointestinal surgery (bariatric metabolic surgery and oesophagogastric resection) affects the delicate physiology of pancreatic exocrine function and may result in PEI. The aim of this study was to assimilate the literature on incidence, diagnosis, and management of PEI after bariatric metabolic surgery and oesophagogastric resection.

METHODS

A systematic review of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases identified studies investigating PEI after non-pancreatic upper gastrointestinal surgery. Meta-analyses were undertaken for incidence of PEI and benefit of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy.

RESULTS

Among 1620 patients from 24 studies included in quantitative synthesis, 36.0% developed PEI. The incidence of PEI was 23.0 and 50.4% after bariatric metabolic surgery and oesophagogastric resection respectively. Notably, the incidence of PEI was 44% after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch and 66.2% after total gastrectomy. The most common diagnostic test used was faecal elastase 1 (15 of 31 studies), with less than 200 µg/g being diagnostic of PEI. A total of 11 studies considered the management of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, with 78.6% of patients responding positively to pancreatic enzyme replacement when it was prescribed.

CONCLUSION

PEI is common after non-pancreatic upper gastrointestinal surgery and patients may benefit from enzyme replacement therapy.

Gastrectomy reduces pancreatic secretory function via pancreatic atrophy

PURPOSE

Although reports suggest that the pancreatic volume decreases after gastrectomy for gastric cancer, the relationship between the pancreatic volume and secretory function after gastrectomy remains unclear. In this study, we examined the relationship between the pancreatic volume and exocrine and endocrine functions after total gastrectomy.

METHODS

The pancreatic volumes of 18 distal gastrectomy and 15 total gastrectomy patients were retrospectively measured using computed tomography volumetry up to 5 years postoperatively. Ten low anterior resection patients were selected as controls. In addition, the pancreatic volume and exocrine function evaluated by fecal elastase and the insulin secretory function evaluated by glucagon tolerance testing were prospectively examined before and one year after surgery in nine cases of total gastrectomy.

RESULTS

After low anterior resection, the pancreatic volume did not change, but after distal and total gastrectomy, the pancreatic volume decreased continuously until the fifth year. After total gastrectomy, fecal elastase decreased significantly from 865.8 μg/g to 603.2 μg/g in the first year (p = 0.0316), and the insulin secretion capacity also decreased significantly from 3.83 ng/mL to 2.26 ng/mL (p = 0.0019).

CONCLUSIONS

The pancreatic volume decreases continuously after gastrectomy for gastric cancer, and the pancreatic exocrine and endocrine functions decrease along with pancreatic atrophy after total gastrectomy.

Diagnosis and management of pancreatic insufficiency in patients with gastrectomy due to cancer or gastric ulcers: a virtual roundtable expert discussion

INTRODUCTION

Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) is common after gastric resection for cancer or ulcers but is under-recognized and undertreated. Although pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is the mainstay of PEI management, robust evidence supporting its use after gastric surgery is limited.

AREAS COVERED

In the absence of guideline recommendations specific for patients with pancreatic insufficiency after gastrectomy, a panel of experts from different geographical regions convened in a virtual meeting to discuss their approach to patient management.

EXPERT OPINION

Pancreatic insufficiency after gastrointestinal surgery is not a simple post-surgical complication as several factors contribute to its development. Although the pancreas is unimpaired after gastrectomy, it cannot function normally in the altered environment. Pancreatic insufficiency can be challenging to diagnose in gastrectomy patients due to nonspecific symptoms and the absence of a simple diagnostic test. Fecal elastase appears to be the default test, although it is not sufficiently sensitive nor reliable for diagnosing or monitoring PEI. Patients with maldigestion symptoms after gastrectomy are treated pragmatically: those with clinical suspicion of pancreatic insufficiency receive a trial of PERT and are monitored for symptom improvement. There is a clear need for high-quality evidence from clinical trials to guide the management of this patient population.

Influence of body composition assessment with bioelectrical impedance vector analysis in cancer patients undergoing surgery

Background

Malnutrition is common in patients undergoing surgery for cancers and is a risk factor for postoperative outcomes. Body composition provides information for precise nutrition intervention in perioperative period for improving patients' postoperative outcomes.

Objection

The aim was to determine changes in parameters of body composition and nutritional status of cancer patients during perioperative period.

Methods

A total of 92 patients diagnosed with cancer were divided into gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal cancer group according to different cancer types. The patients body composition assessed by bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) on the day before surgery, postoperative day 1 and 1 day before discharge. The changes between two groups were compared and the correlation between body composition and preoperative serum nutritional indexes was analyzed.

Results

The nutritional status of all patients become worse after surgery, and phase angle (PA) continued to decrease in the perioperative period. Fat-free mass (FFM), fat-free mass index (FFMI), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), extracellular water (ECW), total body water (TBW), hydration, and body cell mass (BCM) rise slightly and then fall in the postoperative period in patients with gastrointestinal cancer, and had a sustained increase in non-gastrointestinal patients, respectively (P<0.05). Postoperative body composition changes in patients with gastrointestinal cancer are related to preoperative albumin, pre-albumin, hemoglobin, and C-reactive protein (P<0.05), whereas postoperative body composition changes in patients with non-gastrointestinal cancer are related to age (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Significant changes in body composition both in patients with gastrointestinal cancer and non-gastrointestinal cancer during perioperative period are observed. Changes in body composition for the cancer patients who undergoing surgery are related to age and preoperative serum nutrition index.

Minimally Invasive and Open Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Optimal surgical management for gastric cancer remains controversial. We aimed to perform a network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing outcomes after open gastrectomy (OG), laparoscopic-assisted gastrectomy (LAG), and robotic gastrectomy (RG) for gastric cancer.

METHODS

A systematic search of electronic databases was undertaken. An NMA was performed as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-NMA guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using R and Shiny.

RESULTS

Twenty-two RCTs including 6890 patients were included. Overall, 49.6% of patients underwent LAG (3420/6890), 46.6% underwent OG (3212/6890), and 3.7% underwent RG (258/6890). At NMA, there was a no significant difference in recurrence rates following LAG (odds ratio [OR] 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77-1.49) compared with OG. Similarly, overall survival (OS) outcomes were identical following OG and LAG (OS: OG, 87.0% [1652/1898] vs. LAG: OG, 87.0% [1650/1896]), with no differences in OS in meta-analysis (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.77-1.52). Importantly, patients undergoing LAG experienced reduced intraoperative blood loss, surgical incisions, distance from proximal margins, postoperative hospital stays, and morbidity post-resection.

CONCLUSIONS

LAG was associated with non-inferior oncological and surgical outcomes compared with OG. Surgical outcomes following LAG and RG superseded OG, with similar outcomes observed for both LAG and RG. Given these findings, minimally invasive approaches should be considered for the resection of local gastric cancer, once surgeon and institutional expertise allows.

Gastro-Intestinal Disorders and Micronutrient Deficiencies following Oncologic Esophagectomy and Gastrectomy

Primary surgical indications for the esophagus and stomach mainly involve cancer surgeries. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the field of esogastric surgery, driven by advancements in surgical techniques and improvements in perioperative care. The rate of resectability has increased, and surgical strategies have evolved to encompass a broader patient population. However, despite a reduction in postoperative mortality and morbidity, malnutrition remains a significant challenge after surgery, leading to weight loss, muscle mass reduction, and deficiencies in essential nutrients due to digestive complications. Malnutrition worsens quality of life and increases the risk of tumor recurrence, significantly affecting prognosis. Nevertheless, the nutritional consequences following surgery are frequently overlooked, mainly due to a lack of awareness regarding their long-term effects on patients who have undergone digestive surgery, extending beyond six months. Micronutrient deficiencies are frequently observed following both partial and total gastrectomy, as anticipated. Surprisingly, these deficiencies appear to be similarly prevalent in patients who have undergone esophagectomy with iron, vitamins A, B1, B12, D, and E deficiencies commonly observed in up to 78.3% of the patients. Recognizing the distinct consequences associated with each type of intervention underscores the importance of implementing preventive measures, early detection, and prompt management.

Vitamin insufficiency after surgery for oesophagogastric neoplasms: a study protocol for a prospective intervention study

INTRODUCTION

Oesophageal cancer (EC) and gastric cancer (GC) are among the top 10 cancers worldwide. Both diseases impact the nutritional status of patients and their Quality of Life (QoL). Preoperative malnutrition is reported in 42%-80%. However, studies investigating postoperative nutritional status are limited, and postoperative identification and treatment of micronutrient and macronutrient deficiencies are currently lacking in (inter-)national guidelines. The aim of this study is to identify and target micronutrient deficiencies after surgery for oesophagogastric neoplasms.

METHODS

This is a single-centre prospective intervention trial performed in Zuyderland Medical Centre. 248 patients who underwent oesophagectomy (n=124) or (sub)total gastrectomy (n=124) from 2011 until 2022 will be included. Both groups will receive Calcium Soft Chew D3 and a multivitamin supplement (MVS) specifically developed according to the type of operation patients underwent; the oesophagectomy group will receive Multi-E and the gastrectomy group will receive Multi-G. The MVSs will be taken once daily and Calcium Soft Chew D3 two times per day. Supplementation will start after baseline measurements. At baseline (T0), blood withdrawal for micronutrient analysis and faecal elastase-1 analysis for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) will be performed. Additionally, patients will receive questionnaires regarding QoL and dietary behaviour. After 180 days of supplementation (T1), baseline measurements will be repeated, and the supplement tolerance questionnaire will be completed. Measurements will also be conducted after 360 days (T2) and after 720 days (T3) of supplementation. The main study parameter is micronutrient deficiency (yes/no) for all measurements. Secondary parameters include occurrence of EPI (n, %), diarrhoea (n, %), steatorrhoea (n, %) or bloating (n, %), time between surgery and start of supplementation (mean in months), and QoL at all time points.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study was approved by the Zuyderland Medical Centre Ethics Committee, Heerlen, the Netherlands. The findings will be disseminated through scientific congresses and in peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05281380.

PYloroplasty versus No Intervention in GAstric REmnant REconstruction after Oesophagectomy: study protocol for the PYNI-GAREREO phase III randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

After esophagectomy for esophageal and esophagogastric cancer, more than half of patients have lost > 10% of their body weight at 12 months. In most cases, the gastric remnant is used for reconstruction after esophagectomy. One of the most serious nutritional complications of this technique is delayed gastric emptying caused by gastric remnant mobilization and denervation of the vagus nerve. The aim of the PYloroplasty versus No Intervention in GAstric REmnant REconstruction after Oesophagectomy (PYNI-GAREREO) trial is to analyze the clinical outcome of modified Horsley pyloroplasty (mH-P) as a method of preventing delayed gastric emptying.

METHODS

The PYNI-GAREREO trial is designed as an open randomized, single-center superiority trial. Patients will be randomly allocated to undergo gastric remnant reconstruction with mH-P (intervention group) or no intervention (control group) in parallel groups. All patients with esophageal cancer or esophagogastric cancer planning to undergo curative minimally invasive esophagectomy will be considered for inclusion. A total of 140 patients will be included in the study and randomized between the groups in a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome is the body weight change at 6 months postoperatively, and the secondary outcomes are the nutritional status, postoperative complications, functional outcome, and quality of life until 1 year postoperatively.

DISCUSSION

We hypothesize that mH-P after minimally invasive esophagectomy more effectively maintains patients' nutritional status than no pyloroplasty.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000045104. Registered on 25 August 2021. https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000051346 .

The inflammatory prognostic index as a potential predictor of prognosis in metastatic gastric cancer

Clinical studies aimed at identifying effective and simple prognostic markers for gastric cancer are still being carried out. Inflammatory prognostic index (IPI) is being recognized as a promising prognostic marker in patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. To evaluate the prognostic utility of IPI in stage 4 gastric cancer. A total of 152 patients with stage 4 gastric cancer, whose laboratory parameters, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) data could be accessed, were evaluated. Kaplan Meier analysis was used for survival analyses. Hazard ratios were expressed with 95% CI values. All methods were performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations. Study was approved by the Manisa Celal Bayar University's Non-Invasive Clinical Research Ethics Committee (approval No. E-85252386-050.04.04-49119, date: 22.03.2021). We confirm that all methods were performed in accordance with relevant named guidelines and regulations. Median age at diagnosis was 63 years (range: 32-88). The number of patients who received first-line chemotherapy was 129 (84.9%). Median PFS with first-line treatment was 5.3 months, while it was 3.3 months with second-line treatment. Median OS was 9.4 months. Median IPI score was 22.2. We evaluated IPI score for its value in detecting survival status with ROC analysis and identified an IPI cut-off score of 14.6. Low IPI score was significantly associated with longer PFS and OS compared to high IPI (PFS in high vs. low IPI, 3.6 vs. 7 months; p < 0.001) (OS in high vs. low IPI, 6.6 vs. 14.2 months; p < 0.001). IPI score can be an independent prognostic index that is inexpensive, easy to access and evaluate for patients with metastatic gastric cancer, and may be useful in predicting survival in daily practice.

Effects of oral immunonutritional supplement on 3-year disease-free survival in gastric cancer patients with pathological stage III after total gastrectomy (CRUCIAL): study protocol of a multicentre, randomised clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

The nutritional status of patients with gastric cancer (GC) after total gastrectomy continues to deteriorate and lasts a long time after discharge, which is an independent risk factor for mortality. Recent guidelines have recommended appropriate nutritional support after discharge for cancer surgery patients with malnutrition or nutritional risk. The evidence on the efficacy of oral immunonutritional supplement (INS) and its effect on long-term disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with GC is limited. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that oral INS compared to diet alone may improve 3-year DFS of GC patients with pathological stage III after total gastrectomy (Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 score ≥3 at discharge).

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a pragmatic, open-label, multicentre, randomised controlled study. 696 eligible GC patients with pathological stage III after total gastrectomy will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to oral INS group or normal diet group for 6 months. The primary endpoint is 3-year DFS after discharge. The following secondary endpoints will be evaluated: 3-year overall survival; unplanned readmission rate at 3 and 6 months after discharge; quality of life, body mass index and haematological index at 3, 6 and 12 months after discharge; incidence of sarcopenia at 6 and 12 months after discharge; and the tolerance to chemotherapy. The adverse events of oral INS will also be evaluated during the intervention.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was approved by the ethics committee of Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University (number 2021NZKY-069-01). The present study may validate the effectiveness of oral immunonutritional therapy in improving 3-year DFS for GC patients with pathological stage III after total gastrectomy for the first time. The results of this trial will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05253716.

Whether preferences of gastric cancer patients after surgery for follow-up change over time? Analysis based on discrete choice experiment

PURPOSES

The purposes of this discrete choice experiment are as follows: (1) quantify the relevant characteristics that may affect the follow-up selection of gastric cancer patients after surgery and (2) explore the differences in follow-up preferences of gastric cancer patients at different stages and reveal the change trend of preferences over time, thereby providing references for the formulation and optimization of follow-up strategies.

METHODS

A survey instrument that was developed using the design principle of a discrete choice experiment investigated gastric cancer patients on the day of discharge, and at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after discharge. In Stata 15.0, a mixed logit model was used to explore the preferences of gastric cancer patients after surgery at different stages, the willingness to pay was calculated, and the NLCOM command was used to simulate the follow-up uptake rates of different attribute levels at different stages.

RESULTS

On the day of discharge, and 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after discharge, the most important attribute levels of gastric cancer patients after surgery were "thoroughness-very thorough," "method-face-to-face," "thoroughness-very thorough," and "provider-specialist nurse," respectively, and patients were willing to pay more for these services. Patients' preference for the attribute level "very thorough" decreased over time, while their preferences for "specialist doctors" as follow-up providers remained relatively stable. Furthermore, the attribute levels with the greatest effect on receiving the baseline follow-up program varied across stages.

CONCLUSION

The gastric cancer patients' preferences for follow-up change over time, and the time factor should be considered when developing follow-up strategies.

Comparison of laparoscopic and open radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer patients with GLIM-defined malnutrition

PURPOSE

Malnutrition is common in the patients with gastric cancer. Radical gastrectomy remained the primary strategy of curable treatment for gastric cancer. This study is performed to explore the effect of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy on clinical outcomes in gastric cancer patients with malnutrition.

METHODS

Gastric cancer patients with GLIM-defined malnutrition between 2014 and 2019 at our center were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups according to the different type of surgery. Propensity score match analysis was used to balance the clinicopathologic characteristics of two groups. Postoperative outcomes and survival were compared. Multivariate analysis was used to independent risk factors of complication, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS).

RESULTS

Compared with patients underwent open radical gastrectomy, patients who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy had lower rate of total, surgical and severe complications. They also had shorter postoperative hospital stay with better OS and DFS. Hypoalbuminemia (P = 0.003) was the independent risk factor of complications. Old age (≥75, P = 0.035) and TNM stage (III: P < 0.001, II: P = 0.015) were the independent risk factors of OS. Combined resection (P = 0.003) and TNM stage (III: P < 0.001, II: P = 0.001) posed independent risk factors of lacking DFS. Laparoscopic surgery proved to be the independent protective factor of complications (P = 0.014), OS (P < 0.001) and DFS (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic radical gastrectomy was relative safe and showed favorable outcomes in malnourished gastric cancer patients.

Nutrition management by a multidisciplinary team for prevention of nutritional deficits and morbidity following esophagectomy

This study evaluated the effects of perioperative nutrition management by a multidisciplinary team on nutrition and postoperative complications of patients with esophageal cancer. A total of 239 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy and gastric conduit reconstruction for esophageal or esophagogastric junction cancer between February 2019 and February 2020 were included in the study. They were divided into the experimental group (120 patients) and the control group (119 patients) using the random number table method. Control group patients received routine diet management and experimental group patients received perioperative nutrition management by a multidisciplinary team. The differences of nutriture and postoperative complications between the two groups were compared. At 3 and 7 days after surgery, the experimental group patients had higher total protein and albumin levels (P<0.05), shorter postoperative anal exhaust time (P<0.05), lower incidence of postoperative gastrointestinal adverse reactions, pneumonia, anastomotic fistula, hypoproteinemia (P<0.05), and lower hospitalization costs (P<0.05) than the control group. Nutrition management by a multidisciplinary team effectively improved the nutriture of patients, promoted the rapid recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function, reduced postoperative complications, and reduced hospitalization costs.

Show Me What You Have Inside-The Complex Interplay between SIBO and Multiple Medical Conditions-A Systematic Review

The microbiota, as a complex of microorganisms in a particular ecosystem, is part of the wider term-microbiome, which is defined as the set of all genetic content in the microbial community. Imbalanced gut microbiota has a great impact on the homeostasis of the organism. Dysbiosis, as a disturbance in bacterial balance, might trigger or exacerbate the course of different pathologies. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a disorder characterized by differences in quantity, quality, and location of the small intestine microbiota. SIBO underlies symptoms associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGD) as well as may alter the presentation of chronic diseases such as heart failure, diabetes, etc. In recent years there has been growing interest in the influence of SIBO and its impact on the whole human body as well as individual systems. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the co-existence of SIBO with different medical conditions. The PubMed database was searched up to July 2022 and we found 580 original studies; inclusion and exclusion criteria let us identify 112 eligible articles, which are quoted in this paper. The present SIBO diagnostic methods could be divided into two groups-invasive, the gold standard-small intestine aspirate culture, and non-invasive, breath tests (BT). Over the years scientists have explored SIBO and its associations with other diseases. Its role has been confirmed not only in gastroenterology but also in cardiology, endocrinology, neurology, rheumatology, and nephrology. Antibiotic therapy could reduce SIBO occurrence resulting not only in the relief of FGD symptoms but also manifestations of comorbid diseases. Although more research is needed, the link between SIBO and other diseases is an important pathway for scientists to follow.

Characterizing gastrointestinal dysfunction after pancreatic resection: a single-center retrospective study

Background

There are many well-described potential gastrointestinal (GI) side effects of pancreatic resection that can cause patients to suffer from chronic malabsorption, diarrhea, and persistent nausea. These GI symptoms can affect postoperative recovery, initiation of adjuvant therapy, and overall quality of life (QOL). The purpose of this study is to quantify the incidence of post-procedural complications and identify patients at higher risk for experiencing GI dysfunction after pancreatectomy.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients who underwent pancreatic resection at a single institution between January 2014 and December 2019 was performed. Demographics, operative factors, and postoperative gastrointestinal symptomatology and treatments were obtained by chart review. Significance tests were performed to compare GI dysfunction between patient subgroups.

Results

A total of 545 patients underwent pancreatic resection; within the cohort 451 patients (83%) underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and the most common indication was pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Two-thirds of patients (67%) reported gastrointestinal symptoms persisting beyond hospitalization. Only 105 patients (20%) were referred to gastroenterology for evaluation with 30 patients (5.5%) receiving a formal diagnosis. Patients who underwent PD were more likely to report GI symptoms and patients who identified as Caucasian were more likely to be referred to gastroenterology for evaluation.

Conclusions

Gastrointestinal dysfunction after pancreatic resection occurs frequently yet only a small percentage of patients are referred for formal testing and diagnosis. There also appears to be a racial difference in referral patterns. Patients would benefit if earlier attention was dedicated to the diagnosis and corresponding treatment for postoperative digestive health disorders to optimize treatment planning and QOL.

Associations of patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA) and NUTRISCORE with survival in gastric cancer patients: timing matters, a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The timing of nutritional assessment may be important to treat cancer patients and predict their prognosis. This study examined whether Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) and NUTRISCORE scores were associated with survival among gastric cancer patients who underwent surgery and chemotherapy and whether the timing of the assessment after surgery mattered.

METHODS

A total of 952 gastric cancer patients (622 men and 330 women) were included in this retrospective cohort study. The PG-SGA and NUTRISCORE scores were calculated at 1 month (n = 952), 2 months (n = 657), and 3 months (n = 294) after surgery. Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

The PG-SGA scores assessed at 1 month after gastrectomy were not associated with survival. However, high PG-SGA scores at 2 months after gastrectomy (median = 65 days) were associated with an increased risk of mortality; the HR (95% CI) was 2.26 (1.22-4.21) for 9-11 vs. ≤ 5 of PG-SGA scores. When we included patients who received all three consecutive consultations, HR (95% CI) was 2.56 (1.02-6.42) for ≥ 9 (malnutrition) vs. ≤ 8 of PG-SGA scores assessed at 3 months after surgery (median days = 98 days). Likewise, high NUTRISCORE scores assessed at the 3-month follow-up were associated with higher mortality; the HR (95% CI) was 3.84 (1.18-12.55) for ≥ 7 vs. ≤ 4 of NUTRISCORE scores.

CONCLUSION

Malnutrition assessed with the PG-SGA and NUTRISCORE at 2 to 3 months after gastrectomy was associated with poor survival among gastric cancer patients. Our findings suggest that the timing of the nutritional evaluation may be important in identifying and treating malnutrition related to gastric cancer prognosis.

The effects of nutritional support team intervention on postoperative immune function, nutritional statuses, inflammatory responses, clinical outcomes of elderly patients with gastric cancer

Background

To explore the effects of nutrition support team (NST) intervention on elderly patients with gastric cancer (GC).

Methods

The elderly GC patients (tumor stage I/II/III), admitted to our department from January 2015 to September 2021, were retrospectively analyzed and divided into NST group and traditional nutrition (TN) group according to nutritional management methods. The immune, inflammatory, nutrition-related indices, postoperative recovery and long-term prognosis of two groups were analyzed.

Results

A total of 258 elderly GC patients were included (NST group, n = 125; TN group, n = 133). After propensity score matching (PSM) in ratio of 1:1, 73 pairs of patients were matched. There were statistically significant differences in CD3 and CD4 level postoperative one month and IgG level postoperative one week between NST group and TN group (P < 0.05). There was no significant differences in serum CRP and IL-6 levels preoperative one day, postoperative one week and one month between two groups (P > 0.05). There were significant differences in body mass index (BMI) between the two groups postoperative one month (P < 0.05). The rate of infectious complications in TN group was significantly higher than that in NST group (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant differences in 3-year relapse-free survival (RFS) or 3-year overall survival (OS) between NST group and TN group (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Compared with TN management, NST intervention might be benefit to the immune function recovery and nutritional status, but there was no evidence that NST could improve the prognosis of elderly GC patients.

Night home enteral nutrition as a novel enforced and physiologically effective nutrition therapy following total gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Enteral nutrition has been reported to be safe and effective in malnourished patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal surgery. In this study, we devised night home enteral nutrition (N-HEN) as a novel nutritional strategy and evaluated the efficacy in gastric cancer patients following total gastrectomy. Between January 2017 and March 2021, 24 patients were prospectively included in the protocol and supported by N-HEN for three postoperative months through a jejunostomy during the night (Elental:1200 kcal/day), and 22 patients without N-HEN were followed as a control group (CG). Body weight loss, nutritional indicators and tolerance to chemotherapy were evaluated. After 3 and 6 months, patients with N-HEN had significantly less body weight loss than CG (3 months P < 0.0001: N-HEN 4.0% vs. CG 15.2%, 6 months P < 0.0001: N-HEN 7.7% vs. CG 17.7%). Prealbumin was significantly higher in patients with N-HEN than CG after 3 and 6 months (3 months P < 0.0001, 6 months P = 0.0037). Albumin, total protein and hemoglobin, tended to be higher after 3 and 6 months in patients with N-HEN than CG, and total cholesterol after 6 months. Concerning the tolerance to adjuvant chemotherapy in Stage II-III patients, patients with N-HEN significantly had a higher completion rate (P = 0.0420: N-HEN 70% vs. CG 29%) and longer duration (P = 0.0313: N-HEN 458 days vs. CG 261 days) as planned. Continuous monitoring of blood glucose concentration in patients with N-HEN did not show nocturnal hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. N-HEN could be a novel enforced and physiologically effective nutritional strategy to support potentially malnourished patients following total gastrectomy.

Vitamin B12 supplementation post-gastrectomy: a service closed-loop audit at St. James's Hospital, Dublin

Background

Vitamin B₁₂ (VB12) deficiency is a well-described complication post-gastrectomy. It is caused by the loss of parietal cell mass leading to megaloblastic anaemia. This closed-loop audit assesses patient understanding of and adherence with VB12 supplementation guidelines post-gastrectomy.

Methods

A closed-loop audit cycle was performed. After the first cycle, an educational intervention was actioned prior to re-audit. One hundred twenty-five patients who underwent gastrectomy between 2010 and 2020 were available for study (86 total gastrectomies (TG), 39 subtotal gastrectomies (STG)). Twenty-nine patients who had not been adherent with VB12 supplementation/surveillance were eligible for re-audit.

Results

91.9% (79/86) of TG patients reported adherence in regular parenteral VB12 supplementation. Adherence was significantly lower for STG for checking (and/or replacing) their VB12, with only 53.8% (21/39) checking their VB12 levels. 67/125 (53.6%) of the patients stated that they knew it was important to supplement B₁₂ post-gastrectomy. 37.8% (43/113) of participants could explain why this was important, and 14.4% (18/125) had any knowledge of the complications of VB12 deficiency. Following re-audit, 5/8 (57.5%) of TG patients who had not been adherent with VB12 supplementation in the first cycle were now adherent with VB12 supplementation following our educational intervention. 7/17 (41.2%) of the STG group had received VB12 or made arrangements to receive supplemental VB12 if it was indicated.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates good adherence in those undergoing TG. Patient understanding correlates with adherence, suggesting that patient education and knowledge reinforcement may be key to adherence with VB12 supplementation. A simple educational intervention can improve adherence with VB12 supplementation in patients undergoing gastrectomy.

Incidence, Diagnosis and Management of Malabsorption Following Oesophagectomy: a Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Survival following oesophagectomy for cancer is improving, resulting in increased focus on quality of life and survivorship. Malabsorption syndrome is multifactorial and includes exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and bile acid malabsorption (BAM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the reported incidence and management of malabsorption syndromes post-oesophagectomy.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus and the Cochrane Library evaluating incidence, diagnosis and management of malabsorption was performed for studies published until December 2021.

RESULTS

Of 464 identified studies, eight studies (n = 7 non-randomised longitudinal studies) were included where patients were identified with malnutrition following oesophagectomy. Studies included a combined sample of 328 (range 7-63) patients. Malabsorption syndromes including EPI, SIBO and BAM occurred in 15.9-100%, 37.8-100% and 3.33-100% over 21 days-60 months, 1-24 months and 1-24 months respectively. There was no consensus definition for EPI, SIBO or BAM, and there was variation in diagnostic methods. Diagnostic criteria varied from clinical (gastrointestinal symptoms or weight loss), or biochemical (faecal elastase, hydrogen breath test and Selenium-75-labelled synthetic bile acid measurements). Treatment modalities using pancreatic enzyme replacement, rifaximin or colesevelam showed improvement in symptoms and weight in all studies, where investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

Malabsorption syndromes following oesophagectomy are under-recognised, and thus under-reported. The resultant gastrointestinal symptoms may have a negative effect on post-operative quality of life. Current literature suggests benefit with outlined therapies; however, greater understanding of these conditions, their diagnosis and management is required to further understand which patients will benefit from treatment.

Body composition dynamics and impact on clinical outcome in gastric and gastro-esophageal junction cancer patients undergoing perioperative chemotherapy with the FLOT protocol

PURPOSE

Perioperative chemotherapy with FLOT constitutes a standard of care approach for locally advanced, resectable gastric or gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) cancer. We aimed at investigating anthropometric, CT-based and FDG-PET-based body composition parameters and dynamics during this multidisciplinary approach and the impact on clinical outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective, single-center study was based on medical records and (FDG-PET)-CT images among gastric/GEJ cancer patients undergoing perioperative FLOT chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Between 2016 and 2021, 46 gastric/GEJ cancer patients started perioperative FLOT at our tertiary cancer center (Salzburg, Austria). At a median follow-up of 32 months median PFS was 47.4 months and median OS was not reached. The skeletal muscle index (SMI, cm²/m²) turned out to be the only body composition parameter with a statistically significant decrease during pre-operative FLOT (51.3 versus 48.8 cm²/m², p = 0.02). Neither pre-FLOT body mass index (BMI), nor SMI had an impact on the duration of pre-operative FLOT, the time interval from pre-operative FLOT initiation to surgery, the necessity of pre-operative or post-operative FLOT de-escalation or the likelihood of the start of postoperative chemotherapy. Pre-FLOT BMI (overweight versus normal, HR: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02-0.65, p = 0.02) and pre-FLOT SMI (sarcopenia versus no sarcopenia, HR: 5.08, 95% CI: 1.27-20.31, p = 0.02) were statistically significantly associated with PFS in the multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSION

The statistically significant SMI loss during pre-operative FLOT and the meaningful impact of baseline SMI and BMI on PFS argue for the implementation of a nutritional screening and support program prior to the initiation of pre-operative FLOT in clinical routine.

Effects of pre-operative enteral immunonutrition for esophageal cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial (point trial, pre-operative immunonutrition therapy)

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by esophagectomy has been established as the first-line treatment for locally advanced esophageal cancer. Postoperative enteral nutrition has been widely used to improve perioperative outcomes. However, whether to implement preoperative nutritional intervention during neoadjuvant therapy is yet to be verified by prospective studies.

METHODS

POINT trial is a multicenter, open-labeled, randomized controlled trial. A total of 244 patients with surgically resectable esophageal cancer are randomly assigned to nutritional therapy group (arm A) or control group (arm B) with a 2:1 ratio. Both groups receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy with concurrent radiotherapy based on the CROSS regimen followed by minimally invasive esophagectomy. The primary endpoint is the rate of nutrition and immune-related complications after surgery. Secondary endpoints include completion rate of neoadjuvant chemoradiation and related adverse events, rate of pathological complete response, perioperative outcomes, nutritional status, overall survival, progression-free survival and quality of life.

DISCUSSION

This trial aims to verify whether immunonutrition during neoadjuvant chemoradiation can reduce the rate of complications and improve perioperative outcomes. Frequent communication and monitoring are essential for a multicenter investigator-initiated trial.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04513418. The trial was prospectively registered on 14 August 2020, https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov/ct2/show/NCT04513418 .

Telehealth Delivery of a Multi-Disciplinary Rehabilitation Programme for Upper Gastro-Intestinal Cancer: ReStOre@Home Feasibility Study

BACKGROUND

Telehealth has enabled access to rehabilitation throughout the pandemic. We assessed the feasibility of delivering a multi-disciplinary, multi-component rehabilitation programme (ReStOre@Home) to cancer survivors via telehealth.

METHODS

This single-arm mixed methods feasibility study recruited participants who had completed curative treatment for oesophago-gastric cancer for a 12-week telehealth rehabilitation programme, involving group resistance training, remotely monitored aerobic training, one-to-one dietetic counselling, one-to-one support calls and group education. The primary outcome was feasibility, measured by recruitment rates, attendance, retention, incidents, acceptability, Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ) and analysis of semi-structured interviews.

RESULTS

Characteristics of the twelve participants were: 65.42 ± 7.24 years; 11 male; 10.8 ± 3.9 months post-op; BMI 25.61 ± 4.37; received neoadjuvant chemotherapy 7/12; received adjuvant chemotherapy 4/12; hospital length of stay 16 days (median). Recruitment rate was 32.4%, and retention rate was 75%. Mean attendance was: education 90%; dietetics 90%; support calls 84%; resistance training 78%. Mean TUQ score was 4.69/5. Adaptations to the planned resistance training programme were required. Participants reported that ReStOre@Home enhanced physical and psychological wellbeing, and online delivery was convenient. Some reported a preference for in-person contact but felt that the online group sessions provided adequate peer support.

CONCLUSION

Telehealth delivery of ReStOre@Home was most feasible in individuals with moderate to high levels of digital skills. Low level of digitals skills was a barrier to recruitment and retention. Participants reported high levels of programme adherence and participant satisfaction. Adaptations to future programmes, including introducing elements of in-person contact, are required.

Development of Risk Prediction Model for Grade 2 or Higher Hypocalcemia in Bone Metastasis Patients Treated with Denosumab plus Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)/Ca Supplement

Denosumab-induced hypocalcemia is sometimes severe, and although a natural vitamin D/Ca combination is used to prevent hypocalcemia, some patients rapidly develop severe hypocalcemia even under supplementation. It is clinically important to predict this risk. This study aimed to develop a risk prediction model for grade 2 or higher hypocalcemia within 28 days after the first denosumab dose under natural vitamin D/Ca supplementation. Using a large database containing multicenter practice data, 2,399 bone metastasis patients who were treated with denosumab between June 2013 and May 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Background factors in patients who developed grade 2 or higher hypocalcemia within 28 days after the first denosumab dose and those who did not were compared by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis was conducted to develop a risk prediction model. The model was evaluated for discriminant performance (ROC-AUC: receiver operating characteristic - area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity) and predictive performance (calibration slope). A total of 124 patients in the hypocalcemia group and 1,191 patients in the non-hypocalcemia group were extracted. A risk prediction model consisting of sex, Ca, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, osteoporosis, breast cancer, gastric cancer, proton pump inhibitor combination, and pretreatment with zoledronic acid was developed. The ROC-AUC was 0.87. Sensitivity and specificity were 83% and 81%, respectively, and the calibration slope indicated acceptable agreement between observed and predicted risk. This model appears to be useful to predict the risk of denosumab-induced hypocalcemia and thus should be helpful for risk management of denosumab treatment in patients with bone metastases. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Satisfaction with permanent changes after cancer surgery: From personal satisfaction of gastric cancer survivors with post-gastrectomy weight loss

BACKGROUND

This study assessed the personal satisfaction of gastric cancer survivors with post-gastrectomy weight loss. The responses were analyzed in relation to the actual weight status based on two general criteria-preoperative weight and the World Health Organization (WHO) weight classification-as part of an attempt to identify patterns of satisfaction with weight loss.

METHODS

Survivors with significant postoperative weight loss (≥8%) were identified among 1- and 5-year survivors, and were divided into obese/non-obese weight losers (WLs) based on the WHO definition of obesity. For comparison, those with minimal weight change (not exceeding ± 3%) at each time period were identified (non-WLs).The EORTC QLQ-C30 and -STO22 questionnaires were used to monitor quality of life (QoL). Responses to an item in the EORTC QLQ-STO22, inquiring about personal concerns with weight loss, were used to assess personal satisfaction with weight changes.

RESULTS

Except for the QoL disadvantages of non-obese WLs in anxiety (P = 0.011) of 1-year survivors and in emotional functioning (P = 0.039) of 5-year survivors, there was no significant difference in QoL changes between groups. Regarding personal satisfaction with decreased body weight, non-obese WLs continued to show dissatisfaction (P < 0.001) unlike obese WLs, who enjoyed satisfaction comparable to non-WLs long after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Compared with non-obese WLs who expressed dissatisfaction with current weight, obese WLs were satisfied with their current weight several years after surgery. Patient satisfaction with surgical changes may depend on the availability of reasonable grounds that suggest a positive interpretation of surgically altered status.

Effects of preoperative nutrition on postoperative outcomes in esophageal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Postoperative enteral nutrition has been widely implemented in esophageal cancer, but the efficacy and safety of preoperative nutrition, particularly immune-enhancing nutrition (IEN), remain controversial. This meta-analysis aims to provide a quantitative synthesis of whether preoperative nutrition improves postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients with resectable esophageal cancer. A systematic search was conducted in Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and databases of clinical trials dated up to December 2019. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing postoperative outcomes between esophageal cancer patients with and without preoperative nutritional support were included. Random-effects model was applied in the meta-analysis of primary outcomes (overall complication rate, in-hospital mortality) and secondary outcomes (infectious complication rate, anastomotic leak rate, length of postoperative hospital stay). Complications of feeding tube access and perioperative weight loss were evaluated by qualitative synthesis. Subgroup analyses were performed by stratifying immunonutrition and standard nutrition before surgery. Subgroup analysis of randomized controlled trials alone was also done. A total of 15 studies enrolling 1864 participants were included. The overall meta-analysis found that preoperative nutrition could reduce infectious complications (odds ratio [OR] = 0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.26, 0.98]; I2 = 48%) and length of hospital stay (mean difference = -2.10 day, 95% CI [-3.72, -0.47]; I2 = 78%) after esophagectomy, whereas no significant difference was revealed in the incidence of overall complications (OR = 0.76, 95% CI [0.52, 1.11]; I2 = 32%), in-hospital mortality (OR = 1.03, 95% CI [0.41, 2.61]; I2 = 12%), and anastomotic leak (OR = 1.05, 95% CI [0.69, 1.58]; I2 = 0%). Subgroup of preoperative immunonutrition showed more prominent benefits. The complication rate of feeding tube access was low (1.6-16%). In conclusion, preoperative nutrition is safe in esophageal cancer, but benefits are observed in infectious complication rate and length of stay on a limited scale. IEN holds more advantages over standard nutrition. Randomized trials in the context of nutritional support during neoadjuvant therapy are in demand.

Effect of Home Enteral Nutritional Support Compared With Normal Oral Diet in Postoperative Subjects With Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Resection: A Meta-Analysis

Introduction

We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the influence of a home enteral nutritional support compared with a normal oral diet in postoperative subjects with upper gastrointestinal cancer resection.

Methods

A systematic literature search up to December 2021 was done and 23 studies included 3,010 subjects with upper gastrointestinal cancer resection at the start of the study; 1,556 of them were given home enteral nutritional support and 1,454 were normal oral diet. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) with 95% CIs to evaluate the influence of home enteral nutritional support compared with a normal oral diet in postoperative subjects with upper gastrointestinal cancer resection by the dichotomous or continuous methods with a random or fixed-influence model.

Results

Home enteral nutritional support had significantly higher quality of life (MD, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.50–2.67, p &lt; 0.001), better body weight change (MD, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.31–2.43, p &lt; 0.001), higher albumin (MD, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.72–1.82, p &lt; 0.001), and higher pre-albumin (MD, 30.79; 95% CI, 7.29–54.29, p = 0.01) compared to the normal oral diet in subjects with upper gastrointestinal cancer resection. However, home enteral nutritional support had no significant impact on the hemoglobin (MD, 4.64; 95% CI, −4.17 to 13.46, p = 0.30), and complications (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.76–1.40, p = 0.83) compared to the normal oral diet in subjects with upper gastrointestinal cancer resection.

Conclusions

Home enteral nutritional support had a significantly higher quality of life, better body weight change, higher albumin, and higher pre-albumin, and had no significant impact on the hemoglobin and complications compared to the normal oral diet in subjects with upper gastrointestinal cancer resection. Further studies are required.

Larger Remaining Stomach Volume Is Associated With Better Nutrition and Muscle Preservation in Patients With Gastric Cancer Receiving Distal Gastrectomy With Gastroduodenostomy

Purpose

Weight loss and deterioration in body composition are observed in patients with gastric cancer (GC) following gastrectomy. This study aimed to investigate the impact of residual stomach volume (RSV) on the nutritional status and body composition of patients with GC treated with distal gastrectomy.

Materials and Methods

In total, 227 patients who underwent minimally invasive distal gastrectomy with Billroth 1 anastomosis for stage I GC between February 2015 and May 2018 were enrolled. Clinicodemographic and laboratory data were collected from the GC registry. The RSV, abdominal muscle area, and subcutaneous/visceral fat areas were measured using computed tomography data.

Results

A larger RSV was associated with a lower decrease in the nutritional risk index (P=0.004) and hemoglobin level (P=0.003) during the first 3 months after surgery, and better recovery at 12 months. A larger RSV demonstrated an advantage in the preservation of abdominal muscle area (P=0.02) and visceral fat (P=0.04) after surgery, as well as less reduction in weight (P=0.02) and body mass index (P=0.03).

Conclusions

Larger RSV was associated with improved nutritional status and better preservation of muscle and fat after distal gastrectomy.

Muscle wasting in cancer: opportunities and challenges for exercise in clinical cancer trials

BACKGROUND

Low muscle in cancer is associated with an increase in treatment-related toxicities and is a predictor of cancer-related and all-cause mortality. The mechanisms of cancer-related muscle loss are multifactorial, including anorexia, hypogonadism, anaemia, inflammation, malnutrition, and aberrations in skeletal muscle protein turnover and metabolism.

METHODS

In this narrative review, we summarise relevant literature to (i) review the factors influencing skeletal muscle mass regulation, (ii) provide an overview of how cancer/treatments negatively impact these, (iii) review factors beyond muscle signalling that can impact the ability to participate in and respond to an exercise intervention to counteract muscle loss in cancer, and (iv) provide perspectives on critical areas of future research.

RESULTS

Despite the well-known benefits of exercise, there remains a paucity of clinical evidence supporting the impact of exercise in cancer-related muscle loss. There are numerous challenges to reversing muscle loss with exercise in clinical cancer settings, ranging from the impact of cancer/treatments on the molecular regulation of muscle mass, to clinical challenges in responsiveness to an exercise intervention. For example, tumour-related/treatment-related factors (e.g. nausea, pain, anaemia, and neutropenia), presence of comorbidities (e.g. diabetes, arthritis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), injuries, disease progression and bone metastases, concomitant medications (e.g., metformin), can negatively affect an individual's ability to exercise safely and limit subsequent adaptation.

CONCLUSIONS

This review identifies numerous gaps and oppportunities in the area of low muscle and muscle loss in cancer. Collaborative efforts between preclinical and clinical researchers are imperative to both understanding the mechanisms of atrophy, and develop appropriate therapeutic interventions.

Health-related quality of life after esophagectomy in patients with esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer is one of the malignant tumors with the poorest prognosis. Esophagectomy, which is the mainstay of curative-intent treatments, imposes excessive surgical stress on the patients, and postoperative morbidity and mortality rates after esophagectomy remain high. On the other hand, the number of survivors after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer is increasing due to recent improvements in surgical techniques and multidisciplinary treatments for this cancer. However, esophagectomy still has a great influence on the fundamental aspect of patients' lives, that is, the health-related quality of life (HR-QOL), including their physical, emotional, and social functions in the short- and long-term postoperatively. HR-QOL is a multifactorial concept used to assess the symptoms and functional changes caused by the disease itself and treatments from the patients' perspectives. Therefore, assessing the HR-QOL of patients with esophageal cancer after esophagectomy is becoming increasingly important. However, the status of HR-QOL changes after esophagectomy has not been satisfactorily evaluated, and there is no worldwide consensus as to how the postoperative HR-QOL can be improved. This review aimed to raise awareness of healthcare providers, such as surgeons and nurses, on the importance of HR-QOL in patients with esophageal cancer after curative-intent esophagectomy by providing multifaceted information concerning the short- and long-term HR-QOLs, including the status of changes and the determinants of HR-QOL after esophagectomy, and furthermore, essential points for improvement of HR-QOL after esophagectomy.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency after esophagectomy: a systematic review of literature

Complaints of maldigestion, malabsorption, and unintended weight loss after esophagectomy are often attributed to an impaired exocrine pancreatic function. This review systematically summarizes all literature reporting on the presence of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) after esophagectomy and the effect of treatment with pancreatic enzymes on gastrointestinal complaints, body weight, and quality of life. Databases of PubMed, Embase, and Wiley/Cochrane Library were searched systematically until July 2020. Studies reporting on EPI and pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy after esophagectomy were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess study quality. Four studies, including 158 patients, were selected. The maximum score for study quality was six (range 4-6). Exocrine pancreatic function was investigated in three studies, measured by fecal elastase-1 and 72-hour fecal fat excretion. Fecal elastase-1 levels <200 μg/g were reported in 16% of patients at 4 months, 18% at 6 months, and 31% at 18-24 months postoperatively. A decreased fecal fat absorption was noticed in 57% 1 month postoperatively. Treatment with pancreatic enzymes was reported in two studies. In patients with fecal elastase-1 levels <200 μg/g, 90% of patients reported improvement in symptoms and 70% reported improvement in weight. In patients with complaints of steatorrhea, 87% noticed settlement of symptoms. Based on current literature, complaints of maldigestion, malabsorption, and unintended weight loss after esophagectomy are common and can be related to an impaired exocrine pancreatic function. High-quality studies evaluating the presence of EPI and the effect of treatment with pancreatic enzymes after esophagectomy are needed to verify this conclusion.

The type of gastrectomy affects skeletal muscle loss and the long-term outcomes of elderly patients with gastric cancer: a retrospective study using computed tomography images

PURPOSE

Sarcopenia is common in elderly gastrectomized patients and a known risk factor for postoperative complications and poor overall survival. However, the long-term outcomes of skeletal muscle loss after gastrectomy and the differences in outcomes of different gastrectomy procedures remain unclear.

METHODS

The subjects of this retrospective study were 136 patients who underwent various gastrectomy procedures for early gastric cancer, namely: total gastrectomy (TG; n = 20), proximal gastrectomy (PG; n = 16), distal gastrectomy (DG; n = 60), and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG; n = 40). Skeletal muscle volume (SMV), calculated as the skeletal muscle index (SMI), was measured using cross-sectional computed tomography (CT) scans preoperatively and then 1, 2, and 3 years after gastrectomy.

RESULTS

Sarcopenia developed from 2 years onwards in all the patients who underwent TG. The SMI and sarcopenia prevalence after gastrectomy deteriorated over time. Multivariate analysis revealed that TG and PG were significant risk factors for skeletal muscle loss in postoperative years 1 and 3. A decrease in the SMI after TG or PG was most remarkable in elderly patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The type of gastrectomy affects skeletal muscle loss in the long term. Elderly patients who undergo TG or PG are at high risk of severe skeletal muscle loss.

Eliciting gastric cancer survivors' preferences for follow-up services: a discrete choice experiment protocol

INTRODUCTION

Follow-up care is important for gastric cancer survivors, but follow-up strategies for gastric cancer survivors remain inconsistent, and compliance of gastric cancer survivors with follow-up care is very low. Understanding the needs and preferences of gastric cancer survivors is conducive to developing appropriate and acceptable follow-up strategies, thereby improving patient compliance. Discrete choice experiments can quantify individual needs and preferences. However, to date, there is no discrete choice experiment on the preferences of gastric cancer survivors, and no studies have examined how gastric cancer survivors make choices based on different characteristics of follow-up. This paper outlines an ongoing discrete choice experiment that aims to (1) explore follow-up service-related characteristics that may affect gastric cancer survivors' choices about their follow-up, (2) elicit how gastric cancer survivors consider the trade-offs among different follow-up service options using discrete choice experiment, (3) determine whether gastric cancer survivors' needs and preferences for follow-up vary due to the economy, politics, technology and culture in different regions.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Six attributes were developed through a literature review, semistructured interviews and experts and focus group discussions. A fractional factorial design was used to evaluate the interaction between attributes. A multiple logit model will be used to understand the trade-off between the follow-up characteristics of gastric cancer survivors. A mixed logit model will be used to explore the willingness to pay and uptake rate of gastric cancer survivors for follow-up attributes and further explore the preferences of different groups.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was approved by the ethics committee of the School of Nursing, Jilin University. The results of this study will be shared through online blogs, policy briefs, seminars and peer-reviewed journal articles and will be used to modify the current strategy of gastric cancer survivors' follow-up services according to economic development and regional culture.

Preferences of gastric cancer survivors for follow-up care-a multicenter discrete choice experiment study

PURPOSES

The purposes of this discrete choice experiment are as follows: (1) to investigate the preferences of gastric cancer survivors for follow-up care, and (2) to quantify the importance of follow-up care-related characteristics that may affect the gastric cancer survivors' choices of their follow-up, so as to provide references for the development of the follow-up strategy of gastric cancer survivors.

METHODS

Discrete choice experimental design principle was applied to develop the survey instrument. All questionnaires were filled out by the respondents and collected on site. A mixed logit model was used to estimate gastric cancer survivors' preferences. Willingness to pay estimates and simulations of follow-up uptake rates were calculated.

RESULTS

All six attributes are significantly important for the follow-up care of gastric cancer survivors (p < 0.05). Achieving very thorough follow-up contents was the most valued attribute level (coefficient = 1.995). Specialist doctors are the most preferred providers followed by specialist nurses, and gastric cancer survivors were willing to pay more for these attribute levels. Changes in attribute levels affected uptake rate of follow-up. When the multiple attribute levels were changed at the same time, a very thorough follow-up content was provided by the same specialist doctor (specialist nurse), and the probability of receiving follow-up increases by 95.82% (94.90%).

CONCLUSIONS

The characteristics of follow-up care in our study reflect the health management services' expectations of gastric cancer survivors. A dedicated specialist nurse involved in follow-up care should be developed to contribute to solve the complex and multifaceted personal needs of gastric cancer survivors.

The negative association between skeletal muscle and fat mass wasting caused by oesophagectomy in patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

This prospective observational study aimed to investigate postoperative skeletal muscle and fat mass wasting and their clinical significance in oesophageal cancer patients undergoing minimally invasive McKeown oesophagectomy.

METHODS

Bioelectrical impedance analyses of body compositions were conducted before surgery and 1, 4 and 12 weeks after surgery. Curve-fitting analysis was used to describe the relationship between changes in the skeletal muscle mass index (ΔSMI) and fat mass index (ΔFMI). A logistic regression-based nomogram was established using the R tool.

RESULTS

Among the 78 patients, 74.4% were male, and the mean age was 64.8 [standard deviation (SD): 6.6] years. Decreased SMIs and FMIs were concentrated in the first 4 weeks after surgery, with proportions of -3.42% (SD: 4.58) and -17.7% (SD: 11.9), respectively. A negative relationship between ΔFMI and ΔSMI was detected by linear regression (coefficient -0.341, P < 0.001). Based on the median ΔSMI to ΔFMI ratio (35.5%), 2 postoperative weight loss types were defined: SMI-dominated (SMDT) and FMI-dominated (FMDT) types. SMDT patients reported increased feeding-related problems, poorer functional status and more unhealthy symptoms than FMDT patients within 12 weeks after surgery. SMDT patients also showed poorer 2-year overall survival (71.1% vs 87.3%, P = 0.021) and disease-free survival (60.5% vs 84.9%, P = 0.032) than FMDT patients. A nomogram based on baseline and perioperative parameters was established to quantify postoperative SMDT and FMDT tendencies with good accuracy (C-index: 0.897).

CONCLUSIONS

The negative relationship between ΔFMI and ΔSMI indicated differentiated metabolism post-oesophagectomy. SMDT was associated with adverse therapeutic outcomes and warranted aggressive interventions.

CLINICAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

The study protocol was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry with the registration number ChiCTR1800018511.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in long-term follow-up after curative gastric resection with D2 lymphadenectomy: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) can be a problem following gastrectomies. This study aimed to reveal the EPI prevalence and its possible causes in gastric cancer patients that underwent subtotal or total gastrectomy, with completed oncological treatments, and with long-term disease-free survival success. Additionally, we also sought to determine whether there were any relations between EPI and blood biomarkers, weight change, malnutrition parameters, and quality of life after gastrectomy.

METHODS

A total of 69 gastric cancer patients whose oncological treatments had already been completed, with a minimum follow-up period of 16 months, were included in the study. Fecal samples were taken from all patients for the Fecal Elastase-1 Test, and patients were stratified into three groups based on the results: low (<100 μg/g), moderate (100-200 μg/g), and normal (>200 μg/g). These results were compared with patients' clinical characteristics, blood nutrition biomarkers, Maastricht indexes (MI), Bristol stool scale, and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) scores.

RESULTS

FE-1 levels were low in 33 (47.8%) of the patients, moderate in 11 (15.9%), and normal in 25 (36.2%). The rate of patients receiving chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in the low FE-1 group was higher than the normal FE-1 and moderate FE-1 groups (P < 0.001 and P = 0.012, respectively). The serum total protein and lipase levels were lower in the low FE-1 group than in the normal FE-1 group (P = 0.023 and P < 0.001, respectively). When compared to the normal FE-1 group, the MI score of the low FE-1 group was higher (P = 0.018). The low FE-1 group had lower GIQLI gastrointestinal symptom scores than the normal FE-1 group (P = 0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

During long-term follow-up, EPI can be seen in more than half of patients with gastric cancer after curative gastrectomy. Radiotherapy as an adjunct to adjuvant treatment in the postoperative period is considered a serious risk factor for EPI development. EPI contributes to malnutrition development after gastrectomy and negatively affects the patients' quality of life, especially in terms of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Exaggerated postprandial GLP-1 secretion following esophagectomy is not associated with gastric emptying and intestinal transit

Esophagectomy causes postprandial symptoms associated with an exaggerated postprandial gut hormone response. This study aimed to compare the gastrointestinal transit time of patients 1 year after esophagectomy with unoperated controls, including its relation to satiety gut hormone release. In this cross-sectional study, consecutive, disease-free patients after esophagectomy with pyloroplasty were compared with unoperated control subjects to assess gastric emptying (GE) and cecal arrival time (CAT). Serial plasma samples were collected before, and for 300 minutes after, a mixed-meal challenge. Body composition was assessed, and symptom scores were calculated. Eleven patients 1 year post-esophagectomy (age: 62.6 ± 9.8, male: 82%) did not show a significantly different GE pattern compared with 10 control subjects (P = 0.245). Rather, patients could be categorized bimodally as exhibiting either rapid or slow GE relative to controls. Those with rapid GE trended toward a higher postprandial symptom burden (P = 0.084) without higher postprandial glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion (P = 0.931). CAT was significantly shorter after esophagectomy (P = 0.043) but was not significantly associated with GE, GLP-1 secretion, or symptom burden. Neither early nutrient delivery to the proximal small intestine nor to the colon explains the exaggerated postprandial GLP-1 response after esophagectomy. GE varies significantly in these patients despite consistent pyloric management.

Identifying outcomes reported in exercise interventions in oesophagogastric cancer survivors: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Research investigating exercise interventions in oesophagogastric cancer survivors is sparse, and the outcomes are varied. The aim of this systematic review is to identify the domains and outcomes reported in exercise interventions in oesophagogastric cancer survivors to be included in a Delphi study, with a view to informing the development of a core outcome set (COS).

METHODS

EMBASE, PubMed, CINHAL, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, and PEDro were searched up to March 2020 using a predefined search strategy. The outcomes identified during data extraction were categorised using the core areas outlined in the OMERACT Filter 2.0.

RESULTS

Fourteen domains and 63 outcomes were identified. The most frequently reported outcomes were in the domains of quality of life using the EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaire and the relevant disease-specific modules (100%), exercise capacity/fitness/physical function (100%), anthropometrics (83.33%), physical activity (66.67%), and biomarker analysis (50%).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review quantifies and describes the domains and outcomes examined in exercise interventions in oesophagogastric cancer survivors. Some inconsistency exists within the domains and outcomes used, and little attention was given to nutritional or economic endpoints. In order to develop a COS, a Delphi consensus process with key stakeholders is needed to identify the relevant domains and outcomes for inclusion.