Nutritional status in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Potential relevance for clinical outcome

Influence of handgrip strength on postoperative complications and survival in primary liver cancer patients

Introduction

Objectives: the impact of handgrip strength (HGS) on postoperative complications and long-term survival following hepatectomy in patients with primary liver cancer (PLC) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of HGS on postoperative complications and overall survival in patients with PLC. Methods: in total, 298 patients with PLC who underwent liver resection were included in the prospective cohort study. Baseline, surgical, and histopathological factors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses to identify risk factors for postoperative complications and mortality. Results: the incidence of major postoperative complications was 40.3 % and 24.6 % in the low and high HGS groups, respectively. During the median follow-up period of 28.8 months, 57 patients (19.1 %) died. patients with low HGS demonstrated a significantly shorter median overall survival compared to those with high HGS (p < 0.001). Short-term analysis revealed that low HGS (p = 0.022) and intraoperative blood loss (≥ 200 ml) (p < 0.001) were independently associated with postoperative complications. Furthermore, low HGS was identified as an independent predictor of poor overall survival in long-term survival analysis (p = 0.005). Conclusions: preoperative HGS emerged as an independent factor for postoperative complications and a prognostic indicator of poor long-term outcomes in patients with PLC.

Prognostic impact of body composition in hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing interventional and systemic therapy

Background

Primary liver cancer, predominantly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Despite advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy, survival rates for advanced HCC remain low. Combining hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) with systemic therapies shows potential, but identifying patients who benefit most is challenging. Body composition, including sarcopenia and myosteatosis, has been linked to cancer prognosis, but its role in HCC patients receiving HAIC with targeted and immunotherapies is unclear.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed 158 HCC patients treated with HAIC, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and anti-PD-1 immunotherapy from January 2021 to October 2024. Body composition was assessed via CT scans at the L3 level, with sarcopenia defined by skeletal muscle index (SMI) and myosteatosis by skeletal muscle density (SMD). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated, and Cox regression analyses identified prognostic factors.

Results

Sarcopenia cutoffs were 47.1 cm2/m2 (males) and 38.2 cm2/m2 (females); myosteatosis cutoffs were 40.8 HU (males) and 38.9 HU (females). Sarcopenic patients had lower BMI (p < 0.001) and higher ALBI scores (p = 0.006). Tumor response rates (ORR 53.4%, DCR 77.9%) were similar between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic groups (p = 0.531 and p = 0.699). Myosteatosis showed no significant differences in ORR (54.0%) or DCR (77.0%) (p = 0.693 and p = 0.872). Median PFS did not differ between sarcopenic (9.53 months) and non-sarcopenic (13.87 months) patients (p = 0.536). However, sarcopenic patients had significantly shorter OS (20.80 vs. 35.97 months, p = 0.005). Myosteatosis also correlated with shorter OS (20.80 vs. 35.97 months, p = 0.021). Multivariate analysis identified sarcopenia as an independent risk factor for OS (HR: 0.527, p = 0.017), alongside AFP levels and tumor number.

Conclusion

Sarcopenia and myosteatosis predict poor prognosis in HCC patients receiving HAIC with targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Sarcopenia is an independent risk factor for OS, highlighting the importance of body composition in prognosis. No significant associations were found between body composition and tumor response or PFS.

Application progress of early nutrition intervention in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation

Liver transplantation, as an effective therapy for patients with liver cancer, plays an important role in improving the quality of life of patients. However, the complexity and trauma of liver transplantation can easily lead to the occurrence of malnutrition in patients, and then increase the risk of postoperative complications, which has aroused widespread clinical attention. Reasonable nutritional support can not only maintain the stability of the body's internal environment, reduce the occurrence of complications, but also promote the recovery of liver and other organ functions. In recent years, with the in-depth understanding of nutritional metabolism after liver transplantation, the application of enteral nutrition and parenteral nutrition in nutritional support after liver transplantation has been increasingly extensive and achieved remarkable results. This paper discusses the effect of early postoperative nutritional intervention on patients with liver cancer and liver transplantation, and combined with its mechanism of action, can better understand the effectiveness of intervention, and provide reference for the development of scientific and reasonable nutritional support programs in clinical practice.

Significance of frailty in mortality and complication after hepatectomy for patients with liver cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Frailty has been associated with increased mortality and complications among liver cancer patients. However, the frailty prevalence and outcomes in frail populations with primary liver cancer have not been systematically validated.

METHODS

Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for eligible studies that explored the prevalence and impact of frailty in liver cancers from inception until October 26, 2023. The pooled prevalence, hazard ratio (HR), and odds ratio (OR) corresponding to 95 % confidence intervals (CI) in mortality and major complication estimates were conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 18 studies containing 38,157 primary liver cancer patients were included. The prevalence of frailty in liver cancer was 35 % (95 % CI = 25-46; p = 0.000). Frailty was associated with an increased hazard ratio for 30-day mortality (HR = 7.03; 95 % CI = 0.71-69.45; p = 0.97) and 90-day mortality (HR = 4.59; 95 % CI = 1.76-11.95; p = 0.38). Furthermore, frailty was associated with an increased odds ratio for major complications in liver cancer patients (OR = 4.01; 95 % CI = 2.25-7.14; p = 0.49).

CONCLUSION

Frailty is frequent in liver cancer patients and may predict adverse outcomes in primary liver cancer patients with hepatectomy. Our findings highlight the importance of frailty assessment in this population.

Comprehensive influence of individualized nutrition support and nursing strategy on rehabilitation of patients with liver cancer after operation

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma ranks among the most prevalent malignant neoplasms. Surgical intervention constitutes a critical therapeutic approach for this condition. Nonetheless, postoperative recovery is frequently influenced by the patient's nutritional status and the quality of nursing care provided.

AIM

To examine the comprehensive impact of personalized nutritional support and nursing strategies on the postoperative rehabilitation of patients with liver cancer.

METHODS

In this study, a retrospective comparative analysis was conducted involving 60 post-operative liver cancer patients. The subjects were selected as subjects and divided into two groups based on differing nursing interventions, with each group comprising 30 patients. The control group received standard nutritional support and care, whereas the experimental group received individualized nutritional support and nursing strategies. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of individualized nutrition by comparing the rehabilitation indices, nutritional status, quality of life (QoL), and complication rates between the two groups.

RESULTS

The results showed that the recovery index of the experimental group was significantly better than that of the control group 2 weeks after surgery, and the average liver function recovery index of the experimental group was 85. significantly higher than that of the control group (73.67 ± 7.19). In terms of nutritional status, the serum albumin level and body weight stabilization rate of the experimental group were also significantly higher than those of the control group, which were 42.33 ± 2.4 g/L and 93.3%, respectively, compared with 36.01 ± 3.85 g/L and 76.7% of the control group. In addition, the average QoL score of the experimental group was 84.66 ± 3.7 points, which was significantly higher than that of the control group (70.92 ± 4.28 points). At the psychological level, the average anxiety score of the experimental group was 1.17 ± 0.29, and the average depression score was 1.47 ± 0.4, which were significantly lower than the 2.26 ± 0.42 and 2.57 ± 0.45 of the control group. This showed that patients in the experimental group were better relieved of anxiety and depression under the individualized nutrition support and nursing strategy. More importantly, the complication rate in the experimental group was only 10%, much lower than the 33.3% in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Personalized nutritional support and tailored nursing strategies significantly enhance the postoperative rehabilitation of liver cancer patients. Consequently, it is recommended to implement and advocate for these individualized approaches to improve both the recovery outcomes and QoL for these patients.

Associations between Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment criteria and all-cause mortality among cancer patients: Evidence from baseline and longitudinal analyses

OBJECTIVES

The prognostic effects of the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) criteria in cancer survivors have been observed but require validation in clinical practice. This study was designed to evaluate the prognostic effects of baseline and longitudinal changes in PG-SGA scores on all-cause mortality among Chinese cancer patients in a real-world setting.

METHODS

Study patients were selected from one representative tertiary hospital in West China. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analyses were used to estimate the prognostic effect of baseline and dynamic changes in PG-SGA scores on the all-cause mortality of cancer patients. Receiver operating characteristic curves and a concordance index were used to evaluate the predictive accuracy of PG-SGA criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 1415 cancer patients were included in this study, with a mean age of 46 years old. Cox regression analysis showed that baseline malnourished status was significantly associated with the survival of cancer patients (PG-SGA 4-8: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-1.96, P = 0.012; PG-SGA ≥9: HR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.34-2.37, P < 0.001). Cancer patients with longitudinal increased PG-SGA scores (>2 points) were observed to have high risks for mortality (HR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.04-2.74, P = 0.033). Compared with longitudinal changes in PG-SGA scores, baseline malnourished status showed higher predictive power in identifying the risk subgroup (concordance index: 0.646 vs. 0.586). Sensitivity analyses supported the main findings.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the prognostic value of baseline and dynamic changes in PG-SGA scores for cancer patients, which can help improve their outcomes.

Subcutaneous adipose tissue/neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is a potential biomarker in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing liver resection

OBJECTIVE

Both subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are associated with the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Subcutaneous adipose tissue is an immunonutritional indicator, and NLR reflects the inflammatory status. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the validity of SAT/NLR as potential prognostic biomarkers in HCC patients who are undergoing liver resection.

METHODS

This retrospective study encompassed the sequential enrollment of 682 patients diagnosed with HCC who underwent liver resection. The patients were categorized into high and low SAT/NLR groups using the median value, and forward stepwise logistic regression was utilized to ascertain independent predictors for one-year HCC recurrence. In order to minimize the influence of confounding variables, a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was conducted between patients in high and low SAT/NLR groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was employed to assess and compare the recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) between the two groups.

RESULTS

The study divided patients into two groups based on their SAT/NLR levels: high SAT/NLR (≥35.34) and low SAT/NLR (<35.34) groups. Forward stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that low SAT/NLR (p < 0.001), tumor size ≥50 mm (p < 0.001), alpha-fetoprotein level >200 ng/mL (p < 0.001), and presence of liver cirrhosis (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with one-year recurrence of HCC. Moreover, the results suggest that RFS and OS were significantly shorter in the low SAT/NLR group compared to the high SAT/NLR group, both before and after PSM (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The preoperative biomarker SAT/NLR shows potential as a prognostic biomarker for one-year recurrence and prognosis in patients with HCC undergoing liver resection.

The combination of handgrip strength and CONUT predicts overall survival in patients with gastrointestinal cancer: A multicenter cohort study

BACKGROUND

The controlled nutritional status score (CONUT) and handgrip strength (HGS) were both predictive indexes for the prognosis of cancers. However, the combination of CONUT and HGS for predicting the prognosis of gastrointestinal cancer had not been developed. This study aimed to explore the combination of CONUT and HGS as the potential predictive prognosis in patients with gastric and colorectal cancer.

METHODS

A cohort study was conducted with gastric and colorectal cancer patients in multicenter in China. Based on the optimal HGS cutoff value for different sex, the HGS cutoff value was determined. The patients were divided into high and low HGS groups based on their HGS scores. A CONUT score of 4 or less was defined as a low CONUT, whereas scores higher than 4 were defined as high CONUT. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to create survival curves, and the log-rank test was used to compare time-event relationships between groups. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to determine independent risk factors for overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

A total 2177 gastric and colorectal patients were enrolled in this study, in which 1391 (63.9%) were men (mean [SD] age, 66.11 [11.60] years). Multivariate analysis revealed that patients with high HGS had a lower risk of death than those with low HGS (hazard ratio [HR],0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.753-1.006, P = 0.06), while high CONUT had a higher risk of death than those with low CONUT (HR, 1.476; 95% CI, 1.227-1.777, P < 0.001). Patients with both low HGS and high CONUT had 1.712 fold increased risk of death (HR, 1.712; 95% CI, 1.364-2.15, P < 0.001). Moreover, cancer type and sex were stratified and found that patients with high CONUT and low HGS had lower survival rate than those with low CONUT and high HGS in both gastric or colorectal cancer, and both male and female.

CONCLUSION

A combination of low HGS and high CONUT was associated with poor prognosis in patients with gastrointestinal cancer, which could probably predict the prognosis of gastrointestinal cancer more accurate than HGS or CONUT alone.

Combination of handgrip strength and high-sensitivity modified Glasgow prognostic score predicts survival outcomes in patients with colon cancer

Objective

Handgrip strength (HGS) and the high-sensitivity modified Glasgow prognostic score (HS-mGPS) are associated with the survival of patients with cancer. However, no studies have investigated the combined effect of HGS and HS-mGPS on the overall survival (OS) of patients with colon cancer.

Methods

Prospective follow-up data of colon cancer patients undergoing radical resection from April, 2016 to September, 2019 were retrospectively collected. We combined the HGS and HS-mGPS to create a new composite index, HGS-HS-mGPS. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using Cox regression models to assess the association between variables and OS. Risk factors on OS rates were investigated by Cox analyses and the nomogram was constructed using significant predictors and HGS-HS-mGPS. The predictive performance of the nomogram was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve and calibration curve.

Results

This study included a total of 811 patients, of which 446 (55.0%) were male. The HGS optimal cut-off values of male and female patients were 28.8 and 19.72 kg, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that low HGS and high HS-mGPS were independent risk factors of colon cancer after adjusting confounders (adjusted HR = 3.20; 95% CI: 2.27-4.50; p < 0.001 and adjusted HR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.12-2.14; p = 0.008 respectively). Patients with low HGS and high HS-mGPS had a 10.76-fold higher mortality risk than those with neither (adjusted HR = 10.76; 95% CI: 5.38-21.54; p < 0.001). A nomogram predicting 1-, 3-, and 5 year OS was constructed based on three clinicopathologic prognostic factors. Importantly, incorporating HGS-HS-mGPS into the nomogram model meaningfully improved the predictive performance. The decision curve analyses demonstrated the application value of the HGS-HS-mGPS nomogram for predicting OS of patients with colon cancer.

Conclusion

HGS-HS-mGPS is associated with the survival of patients with colon cancer. These findings indicate the usefulness of HGS and HS-mGPS measurements in clinical practice for improving patient assessment, cancer prognosis, and precise intervention.

Prognostic Nutritional Index Correlates with Liver Function and Prognosis in Chronic Liver Disease Patients

The Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) is widely recognized as a screening tool for nutrition. We retrospectively examined the impact of PNI in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD, n = 319, median age = 71 years, 153 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients) as an observational study. Factors associated with PNI < 40 were also examined. The PNI correlated well with the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score and ALBI grade. The 1-year cumulative overall survival rates in patients with PNI ≥ 40 (n = 225) and PNI < 40 (n = 94) were 93.2% and 65.5%, respectively (p < 0.0001). In patients with (p < 0.0001) and without (p < 0.0001) HCC, similar tendencies were found. In the multivariate analysis, hemoglobin (p = 0.00178), the presence of HCC (p = 0.0426), and ALBI score (p < 0.0001) were independent factors linked to PNI < 40. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis based on survival for the PNI yielded an area under the ROC curve of 0.79, with sensitivity of 0.80, specificity of 0.70, and an optimal cutoff point of 42.35. In conclusion, PNI can be a predictor of nutritional status in CLD patients. A PNI of <40 can be useful in predicting the prognosis of patients with CLD.

Use of Branched-Chain Amino Acids as a Potential Treatment for Improving Nutrition-Related Outcomes in Advanced Chronic Liver Disease

Advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) represents a complex and multifactorial clinical entity characterized by liver dysfunction and associated complications. In recent years, the significance of nutritional status in ACLD prognosis has gained considerable attention. This review article delves into the multifactorial pathogenesis of malnutrition in ACLD and its profound consequences for health outcomes. We explore the clinical implications of secondary sarcopenia in ACLD and highlight the critical relevance of frailty in both decompensated and compensated ACLD. A specific focus of this review revolves around branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and their pivotal role in managing liver disease. We dissect the intricate relationship between low Fischer's ratio and BCAA metabolism in ACLD, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms involved. Furthermore, we critically evaluate the existing evidence regarding the effects of BCAA supplementation on outcomes in ACLD patients, examining their potential to ameliorate the nutritional deficiencies and associated complications in this population.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: Branched-chain amino acid supplementation in liver disease

BACKGROUND

Dietary supplementation with branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) is often used in cirrhotic patients to improve nutritional status. We wanted to explore the evidence for BCAA supplementation in chronic liver disease.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies with BCAA supplementation with the presence of a disease-control group (placebo or no intervention) using search terms 'liver cirrhosis', 'hepatocellular carcinoma', 'branched chain amino acids' and relevant synonyms. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I and RoB 2.0 tools. Meta-analyses were performed with a random-effects model. Results were reported following EQUATOR guidelines.

RESULTS

Of 3378 studies screened by title and abstract, 54 were included (34 randomized controlled trials, 5 prospective case-control studies, 13 retrospective case-control studies: in total 2308 patients BCAA supplementation, 2876 disease-controls). Risk of bias was high/serious for almost all studies. According to meta-analyses, long-term (at least 6 months) BCAA supplementation in cirrhotic patients significantly improved event-free survival (p = .008; RR .61 95% CI .42-.88) and tended to improve overall survival (p = .05; RR .58 95% CI .34-1.00). Two retrospective studies suggested the beneficial effects during sorafenib for hepatocellular carcinoma. Available studies reported no beneficial effects or contradictory results of BCAA after other specific therapeutic interventions (resection or radiological interventions for hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation, paracentesis or variceal ligation). No convincing beneficial effects of BCAA supplementation on liver function, nutritional status or quality of life were found. No study reported serious side effects of BCAA.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic BCAA supplementation appears safe and might improve survival in cirrhotic patients.

The combination of hand grip strength and modified Glasgow prognostic score predicts clinical outcomes in patients with liver cancer

Purpose

Previous studies have shown that both hand grip strength (HGS) and the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) are associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with liver cancer. In spite of this, no relevant studies have been conducted to determine whether the combination of HGS and mGPS can predict the prognosis of patients with liver cancer. Accordingly, this study sought to explore this possibility.

Methods

This was a multicenter study of patients with liver cancer. Based on the optimal HGS cutoff value for each sex, we determined the HGS cutoff values. The patients were divided into high and low HGS groups based on their HGS scores. An mGPS of 0 was defined as low mGPS, whereas scores higher than 0 were defined as high mGPS. The patients were combined into HGS-mGPS groups for the prediction of survival. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves. A Cox regression model was designed and adjusted for confounders. To evaluate the nomogram model, receiver operating characteristic curves and calibration curves were used.

Results

A total of 504 patients were enrolled in this study. Of these, 386 (76.6%) were men (mean [SD] age, 56.63 [12.06] years). Multivariate analysis revealed that patients with low HGS and high mGPS had a higher risk of death than those with neither low HGS nor high mGPS (hazard ratio [HR],1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.14-1.98; p = 0.001 and HR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.14-2.12, p = 0.001 respectively). Patients with both low HGS and high mGPS had 2.35-fold increased risk of death (HR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.52-3.63; p < 0.001). The area under the curve of HGS-mGPS was 0.623. The calibration curve demonstrated the validity of the HGS-mGPS nomogram model for predicting the survival of patients with liver cancer.

Conclusion

A combination of low HGS and high mGPS is associated with poor prognosis in patients with liver cancer. The combination of HGS and mGPS can predict the prognosis of liver cancer more accurately than HGS or mGPS alone. The nomogram model developed in this study can effectively predict the survival outcomes of liver cancer.

Prognostic Value of Inflammation-Immunity-Nutrition Score and Inflammatory Burden Index for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients After Hepatectomy

PURPOSE

The study aimed to investigate the ability of inflammation-immunity-nutrition score (IINS) and inflammatory burden index (IBI), individually or in combination, to predict prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after hepatectomy.

METHODS

A total of 701 patients who underwent HCC resection at Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital were enrolled in the study. An IINS ranging from 0 to 3 was defined based on preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP), lymphocyte count, and serum albumin level, while an IBI was based on CRP and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. The prognostic value of IINS and IBI was assessed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival curves. The concordance index and calibration curve were used for internal validation of models. Decision curve analysis, net reclassification index and integrated discrimination improvement were used to compare the predictive performance of the models with traditional staging systems.

RESULTS

IINS and IBI were able to predict poor prognosis in HCC patients after hepatectomy, and a nomogram based on the IINS predicted survival at 1, 3, and 5 years better than other models or traditional staging systems.

CONCLUSION

IINS may be accurate predictors of survival in HCC patients after hepatectomy, with potentially greater prognostic value than conventional markers.