Preoperative sarcopenia is a predictor of postoperative pulmonary complications in esophageal cancer following esophagectomy: A retrospective cohort study

Effectiveness of long-term tube feeding intervention in preventing skeletal muscle loss after minimally invasive esophagectomy

PURPOSE

Esophageal cancer is a lethal tumor typically treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery. For patients undergoing esophagectomy, postoperative enteral nutrition is important in preventing complications. Sarcopenia is associated with poor postoperative outcomes in esophageal cancer. In this study, we evaluated the benefits of tube feeding intervention and compared its short- and long-term outcomes in patients who underwent esophagectomy.

METHODS

Propensity score matching was performed in 303 patients who underwent esophagectomy at Kobe University Hospital between 2010 and 2020. Patients were divided into feeding and nonfeeding jejunostomy tube groups (n = 70 each). The feeding jejunostomy tube group was further divided into long-term (≥ 60 days) and short-term (< 60 days) subgroups. The groups were then retrospectively compared regarding postoperative albumin levels, body weight, and psoas muscle area and volume.

RESULTS

In the long-term feeding jejunostomy tube group, anastomotic leakage (p = 0.013) and left laryngeal nerve palsy (p = 0.004) occurred frequently. There were no significant between-group differences in postoperative albumin levels, body weight, or psoas muscle area. However, significant psoas muscle volume recovery was confirmed in the long-term jejunostomy tube group at 6 months postoperatively (p = 0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

Tube feeding intervention after minimally invasive esophagectomy may attenuate skeletal muscle mass loss and help prevent sarcopenia.

Relationship Between Preoperative Nutritional Indicators and Postoperative Complications in Patients with Oesophageal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Nutritional status is an essential factor in the occurrence of complications in patients with esophageal cancer. We sought to assess the relationship between malnutrition and complications using various nutritional assessment indicators. We conducted a comprehensive literature search of medical databases for articles published up to July 2023. The primary outcome indicator is the occurrence of complications, for which we combined 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and odds ratios (ORs) for postoperative complications and analyzed them using a random effects model. The analysis was carried out using STATA15.0 software. A total of 33 study groups from 22 publications with 5,675 subjects were included. Pooled results show that nutritional indicators are strongly correlated with the occurrence of postoperative complications (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.30-1.62). In the subgroup analyses, comprehensive indicators and the skeletal muscle index were significantly associated with complications, whereas laboratory indicators were not associated with complications (comprehensive indicators OR = 2.68, 95% CI: 1.80-4.00; skeletal muscle index OR = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.44-5.99; laboratory indicators OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.96-1.16). Patients with normal body mass index and hospitalized patients were more likely to develop complications. Malnutrition is strongly associated with the development of complications. Nutritional indicators and patient characteristics influenced this relationship.

Nutritional approaches targeting mitochondria for the prevention of sarcopenia

A decline in function and loss of mass, a condition known as sarcopenia, is observed in the skeletal muscles with aging. Sarcopenia has a negative effect on the quality of life of elderly. Individuals with sarcopenia are at particular risk for adverse outcomes, such as reduced mobility, fall-related injuries, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although the pathogenesis of sarcopenia is multifaceted, mitochondrial dysfunction is regarded as a major contributor for muscle aging. Hence, the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies to improve mitochondrial function during aging is imperative for sarcopenia treatment. However, effective and specific drugs that can be used for the treatment are not yet approved. Instead studies on the relationship between food intake and muscle aging have suggested that nutritional intake or dietary control could be an alternative approach for the amelioration of muscle aging. This narrative review approaches various nutritional components and diets as a treatment for sarcopenia by modulating mitochondrial homeostasis and improving mitochondria. Age-related changes in mitochondrial function and the molecular mechanisms that help improve mitochondrial homeostasis are discussed, and the nutritional components and diet that modulate these molecular mechanisms are addressed.

Correlation between sarcopenia and esophageal cancer: a narrative review

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the research on the relationship between sarcopenia before and after the treatment of esophageal cancer, as well as its impact on prognosis of esophageal cancer, has increased rapidly, which has aroused people's attention to the disease of patients with esophageal cancer complicated with sarcopenia. This review examines the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with esophageal cancer, as well as the relationship between sarcopenia (before and after surgery or chemotherapy) and prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer. Moreover, we summarized the potential pathogenesis of sarcopenia and pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies.

METHODS

A narrative review was performed in PubMed and Web of Science using the keywords ("esophageal cancer" or "esophageal neoplasm" or "neoplasm, esophageal" or "esophagus neoplasm" or "esophagus neoplasms" or "neoplasm, esophagus" or "neoplasms, esophagus" or "neoplasms, esophageal" or "cancer of esophagus" or "cancer of the esophagus" or "esophagus cancer" or "cancer, esophagus" or "cancers, esophagus" or "esophagus cancers" or "esophageal cancer" or "cancer, esophageal" or "cancers, esophageal" or "esophageal cancers") and ("sarcopenia" or "muscular atrophy" or "aging" or "senescence" or "biological aging" or "aging, biological" or "atrophies, muscular" or "atrophy, muscular" or "muscular atrophies" or "atrophy, muscle" or "atrophies, muscle" or "muscle atrophies"). Studies reporting relationship between sarcopenia and esophageal cancer were analyzed.

RESULTS

The results of the review suggest that the average prevalence of sarcopenia in esophageal cancer was 46.3% ± 19.6% ranging from 14.4 to 81% and sarcopenia can be an important predictor of poor prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer. Patients with esophageal cancer can suffer from sarcopenia due to their nutritional deficiencies, reduced physical activity, chemotherapy, and the effects of certain inflammatory factors and pathways. When classic diagnostic values for sarcopenia such as skeletal muscle index (SMI) are not available clinically, it is also feasible to predict esophageal cancer prognosis using simpler metrics, such as calf circumference (CC), five-count sit-up test (5-CST), and six-minute walk distance (6MWD).

CONCLUSIONS

Identifying the potential mechanism of sarcopenia in patients with esophageal cancer and implementing appropriate interventions may hold the key to improving the prognosis of these patients.

Pleural Effusion and Malnutrition Are Associated With Worse Early Outcomes After Liver Transplant

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary complications after liver transplantation (LT) have previously been associated with longer hospital stays and ventilator time, and higher mortality. This study reports the outcomes for a specific pulmonary complication, pleural effusion, in LT recipients.

METHODS

Records from a single transplant center were analyzed retrospectively for all adult LT patients. Patients with documented pleural effusion by radiographic imaging within 30 days pre- or post-transplant were considered as cases. Outcomes included length of hospital stay, discharge disposition, hospital readmission, discharge with home oxygen, and 1-year survival.

RESULTS

During the 4-year study period, 512 LTs were performed, with 107 patients (21%) developing a peri-transplant pleural effusion. In total, 49 patients (10%) had a pre-transplant effusion, 91 (18%) had a post-transplant effusion, and 32 (6%) had both. Characteristics associated with the presence of any pleural effusion included an increasing model for end-stage liver disease score, re-transplantation, diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease, low protein levels, and sarcopenia. Effusion patients had longer hospital stays (17 vs 9 days, P < .001) and higher likelihood of discharge to a care facility (48% vs 21%, P < .001). Ninety-day readmission occurred in 69% of effusion patients (vs 44%, P < .001). One-year patient survival with any effusion was 86% (vs 94%, P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, 21% of recipients developed a clinically significant peri-transplant pleural effusion. Pleural effusion was associated with worse outcomes for all clinical measures. Risk factors for the development of pleural effusion included higher MELD score (>20), re-transplantation, alcoholic liver disease, and poor nutrition status, including poor muscle mass.

Preoperative inspiratory muscle weakness as a risk factor of postoperative pulmonary complications in patients with esophageal cancer

OBJECTIVE

We examined whether preoperative inspiratory muscle weakness (IMW) is a risk factor for postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in patients with esophageal cancer who underwent subtotal esophagectomy.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective cohort study enrolled patients with esophageal cancer who underwent a scheduled subtotal esophagectomy between June 2020 and May 2022. Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) was measured as inspiratory muscle strength using a respiratory dynamometer, and we defined IMW as MIP < 80% of the predicted value. Our primary outcome comprised overall PPCs. We investigated the relationship between IMW and PPCs using the Bayesian logistic regression model.

RESULTS

After exclusion, 72 patients were included in this study. IMW was identified in 26 patients (36%), and PPCs developed in 28 patients (39%). Among patients with IMW, 15 (58%) developed PPCs. Preoperative IMW was associated with PPCs (mean odds ratio [OR]: 3.58; 95% credible interval [95% CrI]: 1.29, 9.73) in the unweighted model. A similar association was observed in the weighted model adjusted for preoperative and intraoperative contributing factors (mean OR: 4.15; 95% CrI: 2.04, 8.45).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative IMW was associated with PPCs in patients with esophageal cancer who underwent subtotal esophagectomy. This association remained after adjusting for preoperative and intraoperative contributing factors.

Skeletal Muscle Quality and Quantity Affect Prognosis after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with a Triple Regimen of Docetaxel/Cisplatin/5-FU in Patients with Esophageal Cancer

The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with the prognosis after docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) undergoing surgical resection. We retrospectively examined a total of 100 patients who received neoadjuvant DCF therapy for ESCC at our institution between 2011 and 2020. The psoas muscle index (PMI) was calculated from the psoas muscle area at the L3 vertebral level, and the intramuscular adipose tissue content (IMAC) was calculated from the mean CT value of the multifidus muscle and from four points of subcutaneous fat. The median PMI value was 6.11 cm2/m2 (range, 3.12-11.07 cm2/m2) in men and 3.65 cm2/m2 (range, 2.70-6.82 cm2/m2) in women. The median IMAC was -0.426 (range, -0.079--0.968) in men and -0.359 (range, -0.079--0.671) in women. Based on the PMI, IMAC, and other patient factors, factors associated with NAC-DCF postoperative survival were identified using multivariate Cox regression analysis. A high IMAC was significantly related to overall survival after surgery (p = 0.005, hazard ratio 2.699). A comparison of Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the 5-year survival rate was 76.5% in the low IMAC group and 42.7% in the high IMAC group (log-rank test; p = 0.001). A low IMAC was associated with good survival outcomes and was an independent prognostic factor in patients with cStage II/III ESCC who were treated with the NAC-DCF regimen and underwent surgical resection.

Association of Possible Sarcopenia or Sarcopenia with Body Composition, Nutritional Intakes, Serum Vitamin D Levels, and Physical Activity among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Taiwan

This study estimates the association between sarcopenia and blood biochemical parameters, nutritional intake, anthropometric measurements, physical performance, and physical activity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Participants were recruited from a primary care clinic in Kaohsiung City. According to the diagnosis criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) in 2019, 110 patients with T2DM (aged 50-80 years) were divided into three groups: non-sarcopenia (n = 38), possible sarcopenia (n = 31), and sarcopenia (n = 41). Blood samples were collected, and nutritional intake was evaluated by a registered dietitian. A food frequency questionnaire and a Godin leisure-time exercise questionnaire were used to assess their daily vitamin D intake and physical activity. There were significant differences in age, serum vitamin D levels, nutritional intake, anthropometric measurements, and physical performance between the three groups. In elderly patients with T2DM, reduced serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and daily energy intake were significantly associated with possible sarcopenia. Age, lower BMI, reduced serum 25(OH)D, and reduced dietary protein and vitamin D intake were significantly associated with sarcopenia. These findings may serve as the basis for intervention trials to reduce the prevalence of sarcopenia.

The impact of sarcopenia on esophagectomy for cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Esophagectomy is the gold-standard treatment for locally advanced esophageal cancer but has high morbimortality rates. Sarcopenia is a common comorbidity in cancer patients. The exact burden of sarcopenia in esophagectomy outcomes remains unclear. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to establish the impact of sarcopenia on postoperative outcomes of esophagectomy for cancer.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing sarcopenic with non-sarcopenic patients before esophagectomy for cancer (Registration number: CRD42021270332). An electronic search was conducted on Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, and LILACS, alongside a manual search of the references. The inclusion criteria were cohorts, case series, and clinical trials; adult patients; studies evaluating patients with sarcopenia undergoing esophagectomy or gastroesophagectomy for cancer; and studies that analyze relevant outcomes. The exclusion criteria were letters, editorials, congress abstracts, case reports, reviews, cross-sectional studies, patients undergoing surgery for benign conditions, and animal studies. The meta-analysis was synthesized with forest plots.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 40 studies. Sarcopenia was significantly associated with increased postoperative complications (RD: 0.08; 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.14), severe complications (RD: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.19), and pneumonia (RD: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.18). Patients with sarcopenia had a lower probability of survival at a 3-year follow-up (RD: -0.16; 95% CI: -0.23 to -0.10).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative sarcopenia imposes a higher risk for overall complications and severe complications. Besides, patients with sarcopenia had a lower chance of long-term survival.

Prognostic Value of Sarcopenia and Metabolic Parameters of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in Patients with Advanced Gastroesophageal Cancer

We investigated the prognostic value of sarcopenia measurements and metabolic parameters of primary tumors derived from ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT among patients with primary, metastatic esophageal and gastroesophageal cancer. A total of 128 patients (26 females; 102 males; mean age 63.5 ± 11.7 years; age range: 29-91 years) with advanced metastatic gastroesophageal cancer who underwent ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT as part of their initial staging between November 2008 and December 2019 were included. Mean and maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) and SUV normalized by lean body mass (SUL) were measured. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) was measured at the level of L3 on the CT component of the ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT. Sarcopenia was defined as SMI < 34.4 cm²/m² in women and <45.4 cm²/m² in men. A total of 60/128 patients (47%) had sarcopenia on baseline ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT. Mean SMI in patients with sarcopenia was 29.7 cm²/m² in females and 37.5 cm²/m² in males. In a univariable analysis, ECOG (<0.001), bone metastases (p = 0.028), SMI (p = 0.0075) and dichotomized sarcopenia score (p = 0.033) were significant prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Age was a poor prognostic factor for OS (p = 0.017). Standard metabolic parameters were not statistically significant in the univariable analysis and thus were not evaluated further. In a multivariable analysis, ECOG (p < 0.001) and bone metastases (p = 0.019) remained significant poor prognostic factors for OS and PFS. The final model demonstrated improved OS and PFS prognostication when combining clinical parameters with imaging-derived sarcopenia measurements but not metabolic tumor parameters. In summary, the combination of clinical parameters and sarcopenia status, but not standard metabolic values from ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT, may improve survival prognostication in patients with advanced, metastatic gastroesophageal cancer.

Preoperative decline in skeletal muscle strength of patients with cardiovascular disease affects postoperative pulmonary complication occurrence: a single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Dynapenia, defined as age-related skeletal muscle strength decline, has been reported as a poor prognostic factor in patients with cardiovascular disease. Decline in skeletal muscle strength (DS), the main symptom of dynapenia, may be an important clinical indicator in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. However, the relationship between DS and postoperative pulmonary complication occurrence is unclear. Herein, we investigated the relationship between preoperative DS and postoperative pulmonary complication occurrence in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

METHODS

We enrolled 125 patients who underwent cardiac surgery. DS was determined by low grip strength and quadriceps isometric strength. The patients were divided into DS and non-DS groups. The relationship between the clinical characteristics and preoperative physical function was compared, and factors associated with postoperative pulmonary complication occurrence were investigated using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

There were 42 (33.6%) patients in the DS group and 83 (66.4%) patients in the non-DS group. Compared with the non-DS group, the DS group was significantly older and had a higher body mass index and Japan SCORE (operative mortality rate and major complication rate). The DS group also had a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate and preoperative Barthel index than the non-DS group. Furthermore the DS group had a significantly higher incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications and length of intensive care unit stay, and their postoperative rehabilitation was prolonged compared to the non-DS group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that DS was a determinant of postoperative pulmonary complications (odds ratio 4.26, 95% confidence interval 1.63‒11.14).

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that preoperative DS was an independent risk factor for postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Skeletal muscle strength before cardiac surgery may be an important clinical indicator for predicting the prognosis of patients from post-surgery to discharge and for planning postoperative rehabilitation programs.

Impact of preoperative sarcopenia on postoperative complications and survival outcomes of patients with esophageal cancer: a meta-analysis of cohort studies

The effects of preoperative sarcopenia on postoperative complications and survival outcomes of patients undergoing esophageal cancer resection are controversial. From database establishment to 16 May 2021, we systematically searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database to collect relevant studies investigating the effects of preoperative sarcopenia on postoperative complications, survival outcomes, and the risk of a poor prognosis of patients undergoing esophagectomy. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the quality of the included literature, and RevMan 5.3 software was used for the meta-analysis. A total of 26 studies (3 prospective cohort studies and 23 retrospective cohort studies), involving 4,515 patients, were included. The meta-analysis showed that preoperative sarcopenia significantly increased the risk of overall complications (risk ratio [RR]: 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.22), pulmonary complications (RR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.48-2.14), and anastomotic leakage (RR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.04-1.59) and reduced the overall survival rate (hazard ratio: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.04-1.20) following esophageal cancer resection. Preoperative sarcopenia increased the risks of overall postoperative and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing esophageal cancer resection. For patients with esophageal cancer, assessing the preoperative risk of preoperative sarcopenia is necessary.

Clinical significance of sarcopenic dysphagia for patients with esophageal cancer undergoing esophagectomy: A review

The relationships among esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, dysphagia, and sarcopenia are still unclear. We considered appropriate interventions for patients with resectable esophageal cancer for the purpose of reducing postoperative dysphagia and aspiration pneumonia. Dysphagia in patients with esophageal cancer is caused by patient characteristics, such as pathophysiology and age, or complications after esophagectomy. Recently, sarcopenic dysphagia, defined as dysphagia associated with whole‐body sarcopenia, has attracted attention in various fields, and a large proportion of patients with esophageal cancer are expected to have sarcopenic dysphagia. Our systematic review and meta‐analysis suggested that preoperative sarcopenia in patients with esophageal cancer is related to pulmonary complications after esophagectomy, and some reports also suggested that sarcopenia in swallowing‐related muscles, such as the geniohyoid muscle and tongue, might be associated with postoperative pneumonia or dysphagia after esophagectomy. However, clinical studies on sarcopenic dysphagia in patients with esophageal cancer have been limited. To prevent sarcopenic dysphagia after esophagectomy, perioperative interventions involving not only swallowing rehabilitation, but also physical exercise and nutritional support are important. Moreover, several reports have suggested that the chin‐down maneuver might be effective for preventing aspiration after an esophagectomy. To inhibit the progression of sarcopenic dysphagia after esophagectomy, evaluations and interventions by multidisciplinary staff are likely to be necessary.

The effects of prehabilitation on body composition in patients undergoing multimodal therapy for esophageal cancer

Prehabilitation aims to optimize a patient's functional capacity in preparation for surgery. Esophageal cancer patients have a high incidence of sarcopenia and commonly undergo neoadjuvant therapy, which is associated with loss of muscle mass. This study examines the effects of prehabilitation on body composition during neoadjuvant therapy in esophageal cancer patients. In this cohort study, changes in body composition were compared between esophageal cancer patients who participated in prehabilitation during neoadjuvant therapy and controls who did not receive prehabilitation. Assessment of body composition was performed from CT images acquired at the time of diagnosis and after neoadjuvant therapy. Fifty-one prehabilitation patients and 28 control patients were identified. There was a significantly greater fall in skeletal muscle index (SMI) in the control group compared with the prehabilitation patients (Δ SMI mean difference = -2.2 cm2/m2, 95% CI -4.3 to -0.1, p=0.038). Within the prehabilitation cohort, there was a smaller decline in SMI in patients with ≥75% adherence to exercise in comparison to those with lower adherence (Δ SMI mean difference = -3.2, 95% CI -6.0 to -0.5, P = 0.023). A greater decrease in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) was seen with increasing volumes of exercise completed during prehabilitation (P = 0.046). Loss of VAT during neoadjuvant therapy was associated with a lower risk of post-operative complications (P = 0.017). By limiting the fall in SMI and promoting VAT loss, prehabilitation may have multiple beneficial effects in patients with esophageal cancer. Multi-center, randomized studies are needed to further explore these findings.

Actual Sarcopenia Reflects Poor Prognosis in Patients with Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) for esophageal cancer patients with sarcopenia is associated with a high risk of perioperative complications; however, the relationship between sarcopenia and the survival of esophageal cancer patients remains controversial. In this study, we aimed to develop a stratifying marker for sarcopenia to precisely predict patients' prognosis.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 135 patients who underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy at Kobe University Hospital from 2011 to 2015 and who were preoperatively diagnosed with or without sarcopenia based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia index. Creatinine levels and albumin as measures of skeletal muscle volume and nutritional status, respectively, were used to develop a marker to be used for stratifying sarcopenic patients based on prognosis.

RESULTS

Of the 135 patients, 35 were diagnosed with sarcopenia and 100 were not. We combined the creatinine and albumin levels (Cr × Alb) as a stratifying marker for sarcopenia, and extracted sarcopenic patients with values below the Cr × Alb cut-off as the actual sarcopenic group. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rates of the actual and non-actual sarcopenic groups were 28.9% and 58.9%, respectively (p = 0.0005), and the 5-year disease-free survival rate of the actual sarcopenic group was 34.1%, and 62.8% (p = 0.0106) for the non-actual sarcopenic group. This stratified sarcopenia model was an independent prognostic factor and was superior to sarcopenia alone for OS.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing MIE, preoperative measurement of Cr × Alb may be a prognostic stratification marker for patients with sarcopenia.

Clinical Impact of Sarcopenia on Cholangiocarcinoma

Sarcopenia is considered an important factor affecting the prognosis of cancer patients. Only complete surgical resection confers the chance of curing cholangiocarcinoma with sarcopenia. However, the prognosis is poor, even for patients who undergo surgical resection. Data from 13 trials of patients with sarcopenia and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) or perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) were collected and reviewed. During all trials, sarcopenia was assessed using the psoas muscle or total skeletal muscle at the L3 level on cross-sectional images. The data showed heterogeneity among the subjects and treatment options and discrepancies in methods of measuring muscle mass and setting the cut-off level. Despite conflicting results regarding morbidity, mortality, and recurrence, sarcopenia may be associated with poor overall survival and recurrence-free survival (RFS) for ICC patients. The impact of sarcopenia on the morbidity of ICC patients remains unclear. The impact of PHC on morbidity, mortality, and RFS is also unclear. Further well-designed studies are needed to elucidate the effects of sarcopenia on ICC and PHC.

Management of elderly patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer

This review focuses on the treatment about elderly esophageal cancer to clarify the current situation regarding our clinical question. Although there are several reviews about elderly esophageal cancer treatment, there are fundamental differences between Japan and the rest of the world. Two main differences are raised: histological differences and treatment strategies for resectable patients. We overview each status according to following clinical questions. First, there are no established evaluation criteria for frail. Second, selection criteria for surgery or non-surgery are not established. Third, few specific treatments for elderly patients (EPs) are investigated. In conclusion, there are many reports about treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma for EPs, although treatment strategy is still controversial. We have to consider well-designed prospective trial to confirm specific treatment strategy according to each stage.

Effect of Body Composition Change during Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Effects of changes in body composition during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) on perioperative complications and prognosis are unknown in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). A total of 175 patients who underwent surgery for ESCC in our hospital between 2016 and 2019 were examined. The psoas muscle index (PMI) was calculated from the total psoas muscle area, and the visceral fat mass (VFM) at the umbilical level was measured. We defined body composition change (BCC) group as those with increased VFM of ≥ 3% and decreased PMI of ≥ 3% during NAC. Sarcopenia (S) was defined as PMI < 5.89 (male) and <4.06 (female). Nutritional assessment using the Subjective Global Assessment tool was performed upon admission. The percentages of BCC group, pre-NAC S, and post-NAC S was 32.5%, 79.4%, and 80.0%, respectively. BCC group had significantly more postoperative complications (p < 0.01) and longer hospital stays (p = 0.03) than groups pre-NAC S and post-NAC S. Overall survival (OS) analysis using the Cox hazard model showed that stage III (p < 0.01) and post-NAC S (p = 0.03) were poor prognostic factors. Changes in body composition during NAC affected perioperative complications and prognosis of patients with ESCC.

Usefulness of wearable fitness tracking devices in patients undergoing esophagectomy

BACKGROUND

Esophageal cancer surgery requires maintenance and enhancement of perioperative nutritional status and physical function to prevent postoperative complications. Therefore, awareness of the importance of preoperative patient support is increasing. This study examined the usefulness of using a diary in combination with a wearable fitness tracking device (WFT) in patients undergoing surgery for esophageal cancer.

METHODS

Ninety-four patients who underwent esophagectomy between February 2019 and April 2021 were included. Physicians, nurses, dietitians, and physical therapists provided diary-based education for the patients. In addition, a WFT was used by some patients. The perioperative outcomes of patients who used both the diary and WFT (WFT group) and those who used the diary alone (non-WFT group) were compared. In addition, propensity score matching was performed to improve comparability between the two groups.

RESULTS

After the propensity score matching, the rate of postoperative pneumonia was significantly lower in the WFT group (0% vs. 22.6%, P = 0.005). The postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the WFT group (P = 0.012). Nutritional status indices, such as the prognostic nutritional index, also improved significantly in the WFT group at 1 month after surgery (P = 0.034). The rate of diary entries was significantly higher in the WFT group (72.3% vs. 28.3%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The use of a WFT reduced the incidence of postoperative pneumonia and improved postoperative nutritional status and rates of diary entries after esophagectomy, suggesting that its use may be useful for promoting recovery after esophagectomy.

Is sarcopenia a risk factor for reduced diaphragm function following hepatic resection? A study protocol for a prospective observational study

INTRODUCTION

Sarcopenia is associated with reduced pulmonary function in healthy adults, as well as with increased risk of pneumonia following abdominal surgery. Consequentially, postoperative pneumonia prolongs hospital admission, and increases in-hospital mortality following a range of surgical interventions. Little is known about the function of the diaphragm in the context of sarcopenia and wasting disorders or how its function is influenced by abdominal surgery. Liver surgery induces reactive pleural effusion in most patients, compromising postoperative pulmonary function. We hypothesise that both major hepatic resection and sarcopenia have a measurable impact on diaphragm function. Furthermore, we hypothesise that sarcopenia is associated with reduced preoperative diaphragm function, and that patients with reduced preoperative diaphragm function show a greater decline and reduced recovery of diaphragm function following major hepatic resection. The primary goal of this study is to evaluate whether sarcopenic patients have a reduced diaphragm function prior to major liver resection compared with non-sarcopenic patients, and to evaluate whether sarcopenic patients show a greater reduction in respiratory muscle function following major liver resection when compared with non-sarcopenic patients.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Transcostal B-mode, M-mode ultrasound and speckle tracking imaging will be used to assess diaphragm function perioperatively in 33 sarcopenic and 33 non-sarcopenic patients undergoing right-sided hemihepatectomy starting 1 day prior to surgery and up to 30 days after surgery. In addition, rectus abdominis and quadriceps femoris muscles thickness will be measured using ultrasound to measure sarcopenia, and pulmonary function will be measured using a hand-held bedside spirometer. Muscle mass will be determined preoperatively using CT-muscle volumetry of abdominal muscle and adipose tissue at the third lumbar vertebra level (L3). Muscle function will be assessed using handgrip strength and physical condition will be measured with a short physical performance battery . A rectus abdominis muscle biopsy will be taken intraoperatively to measure proteolytic and mitochondrial activity as well as inflammation and redox status. Systemic inflammation and sarcopenia biomarkers will be assessed in serum acquired perioperatively.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This trial is open for recruitment. The protocol was approved by the official Independent Medical Ethical Committee at Uniklinik (Rheinish Westphälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen (reference EK309-18) in July 2019. Results will be published via international peer-reviewed journals and the findings of the study will be communicated using a comprehensive dissemination strategy aimed at healthcare professionals and patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials. gov (EK309-18); Pre-results.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Sarcopenia as a predictor of postoperative risk of complications, mortality and length of stay following gastrointestinal oncological surgery

INTRODUCTION

Sarcopenia has drawn considerable attention as a predictor of postoperative risk, although the relationship between sarcopenia and postoperative risk is contentious. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate this relationship.

METHODS

A systematic literature search up to May 2020 was carried out and 43 studies were identified (with 16,716 patients) reporting on the relationship between sarcopenia and postoperative risk. In order to evaluate this relationship, odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the dichotomous and continuous method with a random or fixed effects model.

RESULTS

Compared with non-sarcopenic patients, those with sarcopenia have a higher major complications rate (OR: 4.03, 95% CI: 2.49-5.57, p<0.001), a higher total complications rate (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.40-2.24, p<0.001), a higher 30-day mortality rate (OR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.56-3.63, p<0.001) and a longer hospital stay (mean difference: 4.54 days, 95% CI: 2.49-6.59 days, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia significantly increases the risk of major complications, total complications, 30-day mortality and length of hospital stay. For this reason, it is recommended that sarcopenia is added to preoperative risk evaluation to avoid any possible negative outcomes following gastrointestinal oncological surgery.

The Impact of Prehabilitation on Post-operative Outcomes in Oesophageal Cancer Surgery: a Propensity Score Matched Comparison

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing oesophageal cancer surgery are often frail with a high risk of post-operative complications. Prehabilitation has been shown to reduce post-operative complications in specific patient populations but evidence in oesophageal cancer patients is inconclusive.

METHODS

Between January 2016 and April 2019, all patients with resectable oesophageal cancer who underwent curative treatment at a specialist tertiary centre participated in a personalised, home-based, multimodal prehabilitation programme. Post-operative complications and hospital stay in this group were compared to a control sample. Propensity score matching was used to control for differences in baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

Seventy-two patients who completed prehabilitation and 39 control patients were studied; following propensity score matching, there were 38 subjects in each group. In comparison to matched controls, patients in the prehabilitation group had a lower incidence of post-operative pneumonia (prehabilitation = 26%; control = 66%; p = 0.001) and a shorter length of stay (prehabilitation = median 10 days, IQR 8-17 days; control = median 13 days, IQR 11-20 days; p = 0.018). On multivariate regression analysis, participation in prehabilitation was associated with a 77% lower incidence of post-operative pneumonia (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.55 p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of overall complications or severe complications.

CONCLUSION

Prehabilitation was associated with a lower incidence of post-operative pneumonia and shorter hospital length of stay following oesophagectomy. This model of home based, personalised, and supervised prehabilitation is effective and relevant to centralised cancer services.

Pathophysiological mechanisms explaining poor clinical outcome of older cancer patients with low skeletal muscle mass

Low skeletal muscle mass is highly prevalent in older cancer patients and affects 5% to 89% depending on the type and stage of cancer. Low skeletal muscle mass is associated with poor clinical outcomes such as post-operative complications, chemotherapy toxicity and mortality in older cancer patients. Little is known about the mediating pathophysiological mechanisms. In this review, we summarize proposed pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the association between low skeletal muscle mass and poor clinical outcomes in older cancer patients including a) systemic inflammation; b) insulin-dependent glucose handling; c) mitochondrial function; d) protein status and; e) pharmacokinetics of anticancer drugs. The mechanisms of altered myokine balance negatively affecting the innate and adaptive immune system, and altered pharmacokinetics of anticancer drugs leading to a relative overdosage of anticancer drugs are best-substantiated. The effects of glucose intolerance and circulating mitochondrial DNA as a consequence of low skeletal muscle mass are topics of interest for future research. Restoring myokine balance through physical exercise, exercise mimetics, neuro-muscular activation and adapting anticancer drug dosing on skeletal muscle mass could be targeted approaches to improve clinical outcomes in older cancer patients with low skeletal muscle mass.

Prognostic Impact of Sarcopenic Obesity after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Followed by Surgery in Elderly Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

We evaluated the impact of body composition on clinical outcomes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by surgery for elderly cStage II/III esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Ninety-one patients ≥70 years old and 116 patients <70 years old with ECSS who underwent NAC between January 2013 and June 2018 at the Aichi Cancer Center were included. Body composition as assessed from computed tomography (CT), American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA-PS), and subjective global assessment (SGA) was assessed before initiation of NAC. Although elderly patients showed significantly poorer ASA-PS (p < 0.01) and SGA (p < 0.01), and significantly more frequent history of malignancy (p < 0.05), no significant differences were identified in the frequencies of adverse events, postoperative complications, or in cancer-specific survival (p = 0.65, hazard ratio 1.15), or overall survival (p = 0.42, hazard ratio 1.26). However, multivariate analysis identified sarcopenic obesity as the only independent predictor of prognosis in elderly patients. Sarcopenic obesity was associated with higher body mass index (p = 0.04), better SGA (p < 0.01), and lower pre-treatment weight loss (p = 0.03). NAC was as effective and safe for elderly patients without sarcopenic obesity as for young patients. However, diagnosing sarcopenic obesity based on clinical findings is difficult, so the preoperative CT assessment of sarcopenic obesity is important.

Sarcopenia: An important prognostic factor for males treated for a locally advanced esophageal carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Sarcopenia is a prognostic factor of esophageal carcinoma (EC) before surgery, with less convincing data reported before chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All patients with a locally advanced EC who had been treated with upfront CRT, between 2010 and 2015, were included. The decision of surgery was made after CRT (40-50 Gy). Muscle mass was measured on a single third lumbar vertebra CT-scan slice. Sarcopenia was internationally defined as skeletal muscle index of ≤39cm2/m2 for women and ≤55cm2/m2 for men. Results were additionally analyzed according to clinical parameters, with a cut-off based on the mean skeletal muscle lumbar index (SMI) of the population studied.

RESULTS

Overall, 104 patients were included (male: 69%). Mean SMI was 35cm2/m2 for women and 46cm2/m2 for men, with 81% of patients being sarcopenic (n = 84). The 3-year overall survival (OS) rate, of 34.6%, was not significantly associated with sarcopenia in the whole population. In men, there was, however, a highly significant correlation between SMI and OS (p = 0.003), which remained significant upon multivariate analysis (p = 0.02). When using the mean SMI as cut-off, sarcopenia was significantly associated with 3-year OS (43.3% vs. 26.2%, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

A high sarcopenia level appears negatively associated with OS in male EC patients treated with upfront CRT.

Low thoracic muscle radiation attenuation is associated with postoperative pneumonia following partial hepatectomy for colorectal metastasis

BACKGROUND

Low skeletal muscle radiation attenuation (SM-RA) is indicative of myosteatosis and diminished muscle function. It is predictive of poor outcome following oncological surgery in several cancer types. Postoperative pneumonia is a known risk factor for increased postoperative mortality. We hypothesized that low SM-RA of the respiratory muscles at the 4th thoracic-vertebra (T4) is associated with postoperative pneumonia following liver surgery.

METHODS

Postoperative pneumonia was identified using prospective infection control data. Computed tomography body composition analysis was performed at the L3-and T4 level to determine SM-RA. Body composition variables were corrected for confounders and related to postoperative pneumonia and admission time by multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Body composition analysis of 180 patients was performed. Twenty-one patients developed postoperative pneumonia (11.6%). Multivariable analysis showed that low T4 SM-RA as well as low L3 SM-RA were significantly associated with postoperative pneumonia (OR 3.65, 95% CI 1.41-9.49, p < 0.01) and (OR 3.22, 95% CI 1.20-8.61, p = 0.02, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Low SM-RA at either the L3-or T4-level is associated with a higher risk of postoperative pneumonia following CLRM resection.

Risk factors and therapeutic measures for postoperative complications associated with esophagectomy

Esophageal cancer is one of the most common cancers associated with the high mortality rate. Timely diagnosis and treatment are important to manage the disease and prevent comorbidities. Surgical resection of the tumor and lymph nodes is usually practiced either with or without chemo or chemoradiotherapy. Despite advancements in surgical methods and skills, complex nature of the esophagus and invasiveness of the surgery can lead to serious complications in these patients. In order to predict postoperative outcomes, preoperative examination of the patients, in addition to risk factors, should be conducted. Conclusion: Lastly, early detection of adverse postoperative events may help faster recovery, reduce hospital stay and prevent other morbidities.

Prognostic value of sarcopenia in patients treated by Radiochemotherapy for locally advanced oesophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is defined by a loss of skeletal muscle mass with or without loss of fat mass. Sarcopenia has been associated to reduced tolerance to treatment and worse prognosis in cancer patients, including patients undergoing surgery for limited oesophageal cancer. Concomitant chemo-radiotherapy is the standard treatment for locally-advanced tumour, not accessible to surgical resection. Using automated delineation of the skeletal muscle, we have investigated the prognostic value of sarcopenia in locally advanced oesophageal cancer (LAOC) patients treated by curative-intent chemo-radiotherapy.

METHODS

The clinical, nutritional, anthropometric, and functional-imaging (¹⁸FDG-PET/CT) data were collected in 97 patients treated between 2006 and 2012 in our institution. The skeletal muscle area was automatically delineated on cross-sectional CT images acquired at the 3rd. lumbar vertebra level and divided by the patient's squared height (SML3/h²) to obtain the Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI). The primary endpoint was overall survival probability.

RESULTS

Seventy-six deaths were reported. The median survival time was 27 [95% Confidence Interval 23-40] months for the whole population. Univariate analyses (Cox Proportional Hazard Model) showed decreased survival probabilities in patients with reduced SMI, WHO > 0, Body Mass Index ≤21, and Nutritional Risk Index ≤97.5. Multivariate analyses showed that sarcopenia was the only significant prognostic factor (HR 2.32 [1.24-4.34], p = 0.008). Using Receiver Operating Characteristics curves, the Area Under the Curve (AUC) was 0.73 in males (p = 0.0002], the optimal threshold being 51.5 cm²/m². In women, the AUC was 0.65 (p = 0.19).

CONCLUSION

Sarcopenia is a powerful independent prognostic factor, associated with a rise of the overall mortality in patients treated exclusively by radiochemotherapy for a locally advanced oesophageal cancer. L3 CT images are easily gathered from ¹⁸FDG-PET/CT acquisitions.

Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia: 2019 Consensus Update on Sarcopenia Diagnosis and Treatment

Clinical and research interest in sarcopenia has burgeoned internationally, Asia included. The Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2014 consensus defined sarcopenia as "age-related loss of muscle mass, plus low muscle strength, and/or low physical performance" and specified cutoffs for each diagnostic component; research in Asia consequently flourished, prompting this update. AWGS 2019 retains the previous definition of sarcopenia but revises the diagnostic algorithm, protocols, and some criteria: low muscle strength is defined as handgrip strength <28 kg for men and <18 kg for women; criteria for low physical performance are 6-m walk <1.0 m/s, Short Physical Performance Battery score ≤9, or 5-time chair stand test ≥12 seconds. AWGS 2019 retains the original cutoffs for height-adjusted muscle mass: dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, <7.0 kg/m2 in men and <5.4 kg/m2 in women; and bioimpedance, <7.0 kg/m2 in men and <5.7 kg/m2 in women. In addition, the AWGS 2019 update proposes separate algorithms for community vs hospital settings, which both begin by screening either calf circumference (<34 cm in men, <33 cm in women), SARC-F (≥4), or SARC-CalF (≥11), to facilitate earlier identification of people at risk for sarcopenia. Although skeletal muscle strength and mass are both still considered fundamental to a definitive clinical diagnosis, AWGS 2019 also introduces "possible sarcopenia," defined by either low muscle strength or low physical performance only, specifically for use in primary health care or community-based health promotion, to enable earlier lifestyle interventions. Although defining sarcopenia by body mass index-adjusted muscle mass instead of height-adjusted muscle mass may predict adverse outcomes better, more evidence is needed before changing current recommendations. Lifestyle interventions, especially exercise and nutritional supplementation, prevail as mainstays of treatment. Further research is needed to investigate potential long-term benefits of lifestyle interventions, nutritional supplements, or pharmacotherapy for sarcopenia in Asians.

Sarcopenia does not affect postoperative complication rates in oesophageal cancer surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The high morbidity and mortality rates after oesophagectomy indicate the need for rigorous patient selection and preoperative risk assessment. Although muscle mass depletion has been proposed as a potential prognostic factor for postoperative complications and decreased survival in gastrointestinal cancer patients, available data are conflicting. The purpose of the present meta-analysis is to determine whether sarcopenia predicts postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing oesophagectomy.

METHODS

The databases MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Clinicaltrials.gov, CENTRAL and Google Scholar were searched for studies reporting on the effect of sarcopenia on postoperative outcomes following oesophageal cancer surgery. Outcomes included surgical complications, anastomotic leakage, respiratory complications, cardiovascular complications, postoperative infections, major complications and overall complications. The random effects model (DerSimonian-Laird) was used to calculate pooled effect estimates when high heterogeneity was encountered, otherwise the fixed-effects (Mantel-Haenszel) model was implemented.

FINDINGS

A total of eight studies involving 1488 patients diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and who underwent oesophagectomy were included in the meta-analysis. The presence of sarcopenia did not significantly increase the rate of surgical complications (odds ratio, OR, 0.86, 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.40-1.85), anastomotic leakage (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.42-1.35), respiratory complications (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.21-1.48), cardiovascular complications (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.31-2.83), postoperative infection (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.52-2.50), major complications (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.23-2.82) or overall postoperative complications (OR 0.80, 95% 0.32-1.99).

CONCLUSION

Sarcopenia does not seem to affect postoperative complication rates of patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer. Future research should focus on determining whether prognosis differs according to muscle mass in this patient population.

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis for the Assessment of Sarcopenia in Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The loss of muscle mass, known as sarcopenia, is a natural process of aging that is associated with adverse health outcomes regardless of age. Because cancer is a disease of aging, interest in sarcopenia and its potential impact in multiple cancer populations has increased significantly. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a guideline-accepted method for sarcopenia detection. This systematic review assesses the literature pertaining to BIA use in the detection of sarcopenia in adults with cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this systematic review, a search of the literature for randomized controlled trials and observational studies was conducted using MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and EMBASE, through July 15, 2019. The study is registered at Prospero (CRD 42019130707). For study inclusion, patients had to be aged 18 years or older and diagnosed with solid or hematological neoplasia, and BIA had to be used to detect sarcopenia.

RESULTS

Through our search strategy, 5,045 articles were identified, of which 24 studies were selected for inclusion in the review (total number of 3,607 patients). In five studies, BIA was rated comparable to axial computed tomography (CT) scan, calf circumference, or grip strength for sarcopenia screening. In 14 studies, BIA-identified sarcopenia was associated with adverse clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSION

BIA is an accurate method for detecting sarcopenia in adults with cancer prior to treatment and is a viable alternative to CT, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and magnetic resonance imaging in oncology clinical practice.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is an attractive method for identifying sarcopenic patients in clinical practice because it provides an affordable, noninvasive test that can be completed within a few minutes during a clinic visit. BIA does not require highly skilled personnel, and results are immediately available. This systematic review summarizes the literature pertaining to BIA assessment of sarcopenia in adults with cancer, with a focus on its use in diverse cancer populations.

Myosteatosis in a systemic inflammation-dependent manner predicts favorable survival outcomes in locally advanced esophageal cancer

Increased adiposity and its attendant metabolic features as well as systemic inflammation have been associated with prognosis in locally advanced esophageal cancer (LAEC). However, whether myosteatosis and its combination with systemic inflammatory markers are associated with prognosis of esophageal cancer is unknown. Our study aimed to investigate the influence of myosteatosis and its association with systemic inflammation on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in LAEC patients treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT). We retrospectively gathered information on 123 patients with LAEC submitted to dCRT at the University of Campinas Hospital. Computed tomography (CT) images at the level of L3 were analyzed to assess muscularity and adiposity. Systemic inflammation was mainly measured by calculating the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Median PFS for patients with myosteatosis (n = 72) was 11.0 months vs 4.0 months for patients without myosteatosis (n = 51) (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34-0.83; P = .005). Myosteatosis was also independently associated with a favorable OS. Systemic inflammation (NLR > 2.8) was associated with a worse prognosis. The combination of myosteatosis with systemic inflammation revealed that the subgroup of patients with myosteatosis and without inflammation presented less than half the risk of disease progression (HR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.26-0.85; P = .013) and death (HR: 0.39; 95% CI, 0.21-0.72; P = .003) compared with patients with inflammation. This study demonstrated that myosteatosis without systemic inflammation was independently associated with favorable PFS and OS in LAEC patients treated with dCRT.

Impact of measurement of skeletal muscle mass on clinical outcomes in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing esophagectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Some studies have reported that sarcopenia is linked to clinical outcomes in multiple types of malignancies, but this association has not been established in esophageal cancer. We assessed how sarcopenia affects clinical outcomes of multidisciplinary treatments for esophageal cancer.

METHODS

We included 165 esophageal cancer patients who had undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by esophagectomy. Computed tomography was used for cross-sectional measurement of the psoas muscle at the third lumbar vertebra; we then calculated the height-adjusted psoas muscle index. Pre- and postneoadjuvant chemotherapy psoas muscle indices were evaluated for associations with neoadjuvant chemotherapy response and neoadjuvant chemotherapy -related adverse events and postoperative complications, in addition to survival. Psoas muscle index cutoffs were 6.36 cm²/m² for men and 3.92 cm²/m² for women.

RESULTS

Psoas muscle index decreased after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (from 7.17 to 6.96 cm²/m²; P = .0008), and specifically in men (from 7.45 to 7.23 cm²/m²; P = .0001) but not in women (from 5.21 to 5.17 cm²/m²; P = .810). Preneoadjuvant chemotherapy psoas muscle index (low versus high) was associated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy response (response rate: 65.1% vs 80.3%; P = .0494) and neoadjuvant chemotherapy-related adverse events (neutropenia: 93.0% vs 78.7%; P = .0337; febrile neutropenia: 53.5% vs 34.3%; P = .0278; hyponatremia: 51.2% vs 31.2%; P = .0190). Post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy psoas muscle index correlated with postoperative rate of complications (56.9% vs 33.3%; P = .0046), especially pneumonia (31.4% vs 9.7% P = .0008). Psoas muscle index was not associated with survival.

CONCLUSION

Cross sectional measures of sarcopenia before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy could predict tumor response, neoadjuvant chemotherapy -related adverse events, and postoperative complications in multidisciplinary treatments for esophageal cancer.

Prognostic Significance of Sarcopenia in Patients with Unresectable Advanced Esophageal Cancer

The prognostic significance of sarcopenia in unresectable advanced esophageal cancer remains unclear. Our study retrospectively evaluated 176 consecutive Japanese patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who had been diagnosed with unresectable advanced cancer in Aichi Cancer Center Hospital between January 2007 and December 2014. Skeletal muscle mass was calculated from abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans before treatment, and patients were divided into sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic groups. Sarcopenia was present in 101 patients (57.4%). Eighty-two patients in the sarcopenic group and 63 patients in the non-sarcopenic group died during follow-up (mean: 20.3 months). The overall survival (OS) rate was significantly lower in the sarcopenic group compared to the non-sarcopenic group (2-year OS: 9.8% vs. 23.7%, p < 0.01). Cox regression analysis revealed only pretreatment sarcopenia as an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio (HR): 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-2.10, p = 0.03). In the sarcopenic group, withdrawn cases, for whom the planned treatment was discontinued for some reason, showed a significantly lower OS rate compared to complete cases (1-year OS: 11.0% vs. 59.9%, p < 0.01). The most common reason for discontinuation was aspiration pneumonia (64.5%). Presence of sarcopenia was an independent prognostic factor for unresectable advanced esophageal cancer. Identifying the presence of sarcopenia prior to treatment may improve the prognosis.

Evaluation of the impact of psoas muscle index, a parameter of sarcopenia, in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma receiving neoadjuvant therapy

BACKGROUND

The impact of sarcopenia on digestive cancer is widely known. Muscle mass, defined as the psoas muscle index (PMI), is an important parameter of sarcopenia. However, the relationship between esophageal cancer and PMI has not been fully investigated, especially in patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy.

METHODS

To elucidate the influence of the PMI on patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma receiving neoadjuvant therapy, the progression of sarcopenia defined by the PMI, the relationship between pretherapeutic/preoperative sarcopenia and patient characteristics, and patient survival were retrospectively investigated in 82 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent neoadjuvant therapy.

RESULTS

The PMI decreased by more than 20 mm²/m² between the pretherapeutic and preoperative periods in 75.6% of the patients. Pretherapeutic sarcopenia (low PMI) correlated with the pathological therapeutic response, postoperative recurrence, and pretherapeutic body mass index. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was associated with the progression of sarcopenia. The pretherapeutic sarcopenia group (low PMI) had worse disease-free survival (DFS) than the non-sarcopenia group. Furthermore, pretherapeutic sarcopenia (low PMI) was an independent prognostic risk factor of DFS according to univariate and multivariate analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

The PMI may decrease during neoadjuvant therapy, especially during neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Pretherapeutic sarcopenic (low PMI) patients should be followed-up more carefully postoperatively because higher risks of recurrence and poorer rates of disease-free survival are associated with these patients.

Multifrequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Compared With Computed Tomography for Assessment of Skeletal Muscle Mass in Primary Colorectal Malignancy: A Predictor of Short-Term Outcome After Surgery

BACKGROUND

Herein, we evaluate the accuracy and reliability of multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to assess skeletal muscle mass (SMM) in the colorectal cancer patient compared with computed tomography (CT) scan and also analyze the association between SMM of BIA and postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

From March to May 2017, the body composition of patients scheduled for elective surgery due to primary colorectal cancer in our institution was analyzed at the time of admission using BIA (InBody S20, Biospace Co Ltd, Seoul, South Korea). The relationship between the single cross-sectional area of skeletal muscle at the lumbar region using preoperative CT scan and the SMM determined via BIA were assessed. Postoperative outcomes were compared according to different status of SMM on BIA categorized into 3 groups (low, medium, or high).

RESULTS

Fifty patients were analyzed, and the length of hospital stay was shorter and the initiation of oral diet was significantly earlier in the group with high SMM than in other groups (P = 0.001 and 0.038, respectively). The SMM on BIA showed a very significant correlation with skeletal muscle index using CT scan (0.705 of correlation coefficients, P < 0.001) and also strongly correlated with skeletal muscle index after adjusting for age, weight, and BMI on multivariate analysis (β = 0.391 ± 0.057, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

SMM determined by BIA is strongly correlated with SMM estimated by CT scan. Authors suppose that BIA could be an alternative to CT scan for the assessment of SMM in colorectal cancer patients.

Effects of preoperative sarcopenia on postoperative complications of minimally invasive oesophagectomy for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Sarcopenia is closely associated with surgical complications in patients with certain cancers. In this study we assessed the relationship between sarcopenia and postoperative complications in patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed of patients who underwent thoracoscopic combined with laparoscopic radical resection of oesophageal cancer. Preoperative computed tomography to evaluate skeletal muscle mass to diagnose sarcopenia and to evaluate associations with age, body mass index (BMI), lung function and postoperative complications.

Results

Among 141 patients, 73 presented with sarcopenia (sarcopenia group) and 68 did not (non-sarcopenia group). The mean skeletal muscle index in all patients was 49.5±9.0 cm²/m²; median, 49.3 cm²/m². The sarcopenia group included a higher proportion of men (P=0.039) and had a lower BMI than the non-sarcopenia group (P=0.001). There were no significant differences in any other clinical and pathological features. The incidences of postoperative complications in the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups were 63.0% and 36.8%, respectively (P=0.002). The incidences of pulmonary infections and postoperative pleural effusions were 28.8% vs. 11.8% (P=0.011) and 38.4% vs. 20.6% (P=0.020) in the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups, respectively. The incidences of other complications were not significantly different between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses of pulmonary infection-related clinical factors revealed that sarcopenia and forced expiratory volume in the first second as a percent of forced vital capacity (FEV1.0%) were independent risk factors for pulmonary infection after minimally invasive surgery.

Conclusions

Preoperative sarcopenia is an independent risk factor for pulmonary infection after minimally invasive oesophagectomy (MIE). Evaluation of preoperative sarcopenia will thus help to prevent postoperative complications.

Sarcopenia, the depletion of muscle mass, an independent predictor of respiratory complications after oncological esophagectomy

Surgery for esophageal carcinoma is known to be associated with high morbidity. Recent studies have reported a correlation of nutritional and inflammatory parameters with postoperative course. This study aims to clarify the risk factors for operative morbidity after resection of esophageal carcinoma. Consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma at our institute were included (n = 102; 89 males and 13 females; mean age: 67.3 years). Clinicopathological characteristics, presence or absence of sarcopenia, and modified Glasgow prognostic score were assessed, and their correlation with postoperative complications was investigated using univariate and multivariate analyses. Sarcopenia was defined using a combination of muscle mass area and body mass index. Of the included 102 patients, 45 (44.1%) exhibited sarcopenia (sarcopenia group), while 57 (55.9%) did not (non-sarcopenia group). No significant difference was observed between the groups regarding surgical procedures and tumor stage; furthermore, there was no mortality. Twenty-six patients developed respiratory complications (including 20 cases of pneumonia). On univariate analysis, sarcopenia, modified Glasgow prognostic score, and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status were found to be significantly associated with the development of postoperative respiratory complications. On multivariate analysis, sarcopenia was found to be an independent risk factor for postoperative respiratory complications after esophagectomy. We believe that identifying patients at risk and providing preoperative nutritional support as well as physical therapy aimed at strengthening of body muscles may help reduce the incidence of postoperative respiratory complications in such patients.

Preoperative sarcopenia is a predictor of poor prognosis of esophageal cancer after esophagectomy: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis

The impact of preoperative sarcopenia on long-term survival of esophageal cancer patients after esophagectomy remains unclear. We conducted an updated meta-analysis focusing on current topic comprehensively. We systematically searched relevant studies investigating the impact of preoperative sarcopenia on survival of patients with surgically treated esophageal cancer in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to July 20, 2018. Data of 3-year and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates as well as hazard ratio (HR) of OS and disease-free survival (DFS) were collected for analysis by using the STATA 12.0 package. Finally, a total of 11 cohort studies consisting of 1520 patients (795 sarcopenic patients and 725 nonsarcopenic patients) were included for analysis. Our meta-analysis showed that patients with sarcopenia had a significantly lower 3-year (51.6% vs. 65.4%, P < 0.001) and 5-year OS rate (41.2% vs. 52.2%, P = 0.018) than those without sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was found to be an independent predictor of poor OS (HR = 1.58; 95% confidence interval (CI) = [1.35, 1.85]; P < 0.001) and DFS (HR = 1.46; 95% CI = [1.12, 1.90]; P = 0.005) in esophageal cancer patients after esophagectomy. No obvious heterogeneities or publication bias were observed during analysis. Therefore, patients with sarcopenia had a significantly worse prognosis than those without after surgical resection of esophageal cancer. Preoperative sarcopenia is an independent unfavorable prognostic factor for esophageal cancer patients after esophagectomy. However, high-quality studies with appropriate adjustments for confounding factors are needed to confirm our conclusions.