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Löser A, Fabian A, Rühle A, Thieme A, Baehr A, Käsmann L, Zwaan I, Kahle B, Soror T, Kunte A, Seyedi N, Kebenko M, Seidel C, Dierks F, Krause L, Bruchhage KL, Rades D. Multidisciplinary survey on use of feeding tubes in head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy in Germany-the SUFEETUBE project. Strahlenther Onkol 2024:10.1007/s00066-024-02206-w. [PMID: 38381142 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-024-02206-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Data on enteral tube feeding in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy vary considerably between German institutions. This survey aims to investigate the management of feeding tubes in an interdisciplinary context across Germany. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between December 2022 and May 2023, 70 participants (42 radiation oncologists, 12 medical oncologists, 14 head and neck surgeons, and 2 physicians covering several specialties) responded to our web-based survey. In addition to the type of institution (university hospital, private practice, etc.), their age, and professional experience (in years), participants were asked several questions on the indication and institutional policy for tube placement and management (prophylactic/reactive nasogastric or gastrostomy tube). All questions were mandatory single- or multiple-choice questions, while additional comments were possible by email. RESULTS Most participants were employed at a university hospital (n = 52; 74.3%) and came from a radiation oncology background (n = 42; 60%). Fifty-four contributors (77.1%) reported that no nutritional risk screening prior to chemoradiotherapy was routinely performed, and 71.4% (n = 50) stated that no standardized protocol was used at the institution to set the indication for tube placement. Generally, policies and methods of tube feeding vary considerably between the individual institutions and specialties. However, the majority (n = 56, 80%) recommended a prophylactic percutaneous enteral gastrostomy (PEG) tube to their patients before chemoradiotherapy. Still, there was no consistent trend regarding the approach for reactive tube feeding. CONCLUSION The policies and methods of tube feeding vary considerably between the individual institutions and specialties in Germany. In the era of individualized medicine, uniform protocols are difficult to establish. However, a baseline nutritional risk screening could simplify decision-making in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastassia Löser
- Department of Radiotherapy, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Alexander Fabian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein/Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Alexander Rühle
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Straße 3, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Stephanstr. 9a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexander Thieme
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Baehr
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Käsmann
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Radiotherapy and Radiooncology, LMU Clinic, LMU Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Inga Zwaan
- Department of Radiotherapy, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Birte Kahle
- Department of Radiotherapy, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Tamer Soror
- Department of Radiotherapy, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ameya Kunte
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Niloufar Seyedi
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maxim Kebenko
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Christoph Seidel
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Division of Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Friederike Dierks
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Division of Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Linda Krause
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Karl-Ludwig Bruchhage
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Dirk Rades
- Department of Radiotherapy, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
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Tsai YT, Fang KH, Tsai MH, Lai CH, Ko CA, Tsai MS, Chang GH, Liao CT, Kang CJ, Hsu CM, Huang EI, Lee YC, Tsai YH, Luan CW. Prognostic utility of preoperative platelet-to-albumin ratio in surgically treated oral cavity cancer patients. Head Neck 2024; 46:386-397. [PMID: 38071495 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to explore the prognostic utility of the preoperative platelet-to-albumin ratio (PAR) among patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS We retrospectively reviewed of 355 patients with surgically-treated OSCC between 2008 and 2017. The optimal PAR cutoff for patient stratification was determined through X-tile analysis. Prognostic variables for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were identified using Cox proportional hazards models. We developed a PAR-based nomogram to predict personalized OS. RESULTS We determined the optimal PAR cutoff to be 7.45. A PAR of ≥7.45 was an independent negative prognostic factor for DFS and OS (hazard ratio = 1.748 and 2.386; p = 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively). The developed nomogram demonstrates the practical utility of PAR and accurately predicts personalized OS. CONCLUSIONS The preoperative PAR is a promising and cost-effective prognostic biomarker for patients with surgically-treated OSCC; the PAR-based nanogram accurately predicts OS for such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Te Tsai
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ku-Hao Fang
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hsien Tsai
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsuan Lai
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Chien-An Ko
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Shao Tsai
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Geng-He Chang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ta Liao
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Jan Kang
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Ming Hsu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ethan I Huang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chan Lee
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Hsiung Tsai
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Luan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Lo Sheng Sanatorium and Hospital Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Guan C, Lu T, Liao Z, Rich E, Gong X, Lv Q, Li J. Nutritional Status and Incidence of Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients Treated with Chemoradiotherapy. Nutr Cancer 2024; 76:196-206. [PMID: 38113055 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2023.2294523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Malnutrition is prevalent among patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma undergoing radiotherapy. This study examined the nutritional status and incidence of radiation-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. A retrospective analysis was conducted to compare the incidence of RIOM, Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS) 2002 score, weight, body mass index (BMI), and hemoglobin levels in 338 patients treated with induction chemotherapy (IC) plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) or treated with CCRT alone. The IC + CCRT group exhibited an increase in weight and BMI but a decrease in hemoglobin levels after IC compared with baseline (p < 0.001). Both groups showed differences in weight at Week 0 and BMI at Weeks 0-2 of radiotherapy (p < 0.05). The IC + CCRT group experienced an increase in NRS 2002 scores from Week 2 to Week 6 (p < 0.05). The hemoglobin levels of the IC + CCRT group were consistently lower throughout radiotherapy (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was observed in the incidence of RIOM between the two groups (p = 0.246). Patients treated with IC + CCRT exhibited a higher nutritional risk during radiotherapy. Although the incidence of Grade III RIOM was high, no significant difference was found between the groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhong Guan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Personalized Diagnosis and Treatment for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College (Jiangxi Cancer Hospital), Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Tianzhu Lu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Personalized Diagnosis and Treatment for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College (Jiangxi Cancer Hospital), Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhaohui Liao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Nursing School of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Clinical Training Center, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Emily Rich
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaochang Gong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Personalized Diagnosis and Treatment for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College (Jiangxi Cancer Hospital), Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qiaoli Lv
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jingao Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Personalized Diagnosis and Treatment for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College (Jiangxi Cancer Hospital), Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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Tristan Asensi M, Giangrandi I, Sartini L, Pagliai G, Dinu M, Lotti S, Colombini B, Sofi F. Quality of life and nutritional status of a group of post-operative head and neck cancer patients. NUTR HOSP 2023; 40:919-923. [PMID: 37732341 DOI: 10.20960/nh.04638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Introduction: scientific evidence on the appropriate nutritional support in the treatment of post-operative head and neck cancer (HNC) patients is still limited. Objectives: our aim was to evaluate nutritional status and quality of life in HNC patients in post-operative phase with different nutritional support. Methods: fifty-four HNC patients (26 with enteral nutrition [EN] via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy [PEG] and 28 with oral nutrition [ON]) were included. Nutritional status was evaluated with biochemical parameters and quality of life through the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Results: ON patients reported significantly (p < 0.05) lower levels of hemoglobin, lymphocytes, iron, folic acid, and vitamin D than EN patients, with greater percentage of ON patients found to be below the reference limits for hemoglobin (21.4 % vs 19.4 %), and significantly for serum iron (17.9 % vs 0 %) and vitamin D (78.6 % vs 30.8 %). Furthermore, EN patients had a better quality of life (63.8 ± 17.6) than ON (55.4 ± 20.3), although ON patients reported less symptoms related to dyspnea (-5.8 %), loss of appetite (-11.3 %) and vomiting (-23.1 %). Conclusions: these results suggest that the use of EN in post-operative HNC patients could have a positive effect on the nutritional status and quality of life of these patients. However, further research is needed to optimize the nutritional support in these patients in order to avoid malnutrition and improve their well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lorena Sartini
- Department of Health Professions. Dietary Production Line and Nutrition. Careggi University Hospital
| | - Giuditta Pagliai
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine. University of Florence
| | - Monica Dinu
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine. University of Florence
| | - Sofia Lotti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine. University of Florence
| | - Barbara Colombini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine. University of Florence
| | - Francesco Sofi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine. University of Florence. Unit of Clinical Nutrition. Careggi University Hospital
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Singer S, Bergelt C, Tribius S, Laban S, Busch CJ. [Patient-reported outcomes in head and neck cancer treatment: relevance, challenges, and benefit]. HNO 2023; 71:592-598. [PMID: 37422597 DOI: 10.1007/s00106-023-01325-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Next to overall survival, quality of life is becoming more and more pivotal for cancer patients. The various domains of quality of life are complex and have different value to each patient. However, not only patients but also health care professionals, the pharmaceutical industry, and regulatory bodies ask: How can quality of life be reliably ascertained in clinical trials? For this purpose, carefully developed and validated specific questionnaires are needed: the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). A key challenge is to define how results based on PROMs can be used for shared decision-making. Next to clinical factors such as health and nutritional status, quality of life acts as a prognostic factor for overall survival in cancer. Thus, it is crucial to take quality of life into account in daily clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Singer
- Abteilung Epidemiologie und Versorgungsforschung, Institut für Medizinische Biometrie, Epidemiologie und Informatik, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, 55101, Mainz, Deutschland.
| | - Corinna Bergelt
- Institut für Medizinische Psychologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Deutschland
| | - Silke Tribius
- Hermann-Holthusen-Institut für Strahlentherapie, Asklepios-Klinik St. Georg, Hamburg, Deutschland
- Asklepios Tumorzentrum Hamburg, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Simon Laban
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals‑, Nasen‑, Ohrenheilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Ulm, Ulm, Deutschland
| | - Chia-Jung Busch
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals‑, Nasen‑, Ohrenheilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Deutschland
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Kan Y, Yang S, Wu X, Wang S, Li X, Zhang F, Wang P, Zhao J. The quality of life in nasopharyngeal carcinoma radiotherapy: A longitudinal study. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2023; 10:100251. [PMID: 37448533 PMCID: PMC10336419 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2023.100251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This article aims to longitudinally compare nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients' quality of life (QoL) during radiotherapy (RT) and identify QoL correlates. Methods This study included 98 patients, with 85 completing full follow-up. Data were collected at baseline (T1), midpoint of RT (T2), and RT completion (T3), between October 2021 and November 2022. QoL was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). RIOM severity was evaluated by the toxicity criteria of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG). The nutritional status was evaluated using the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002), body mass index (BMI), and the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA). The generalized estimating equation described the QoL evolution and correlated it with RIOM, nutritional status, and other influential factors. Results Significant deterioration was observed in various subscales of EORTC QLQ-C30 during RT, including global health status (GHS), physical function, role function, emotional function, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, pain, insomnia, appetite loss, and constipation (all P < 0.05). Substantial deterioration was also observed in RIOM, nutritional status, and part of hematological indexes (all P < 0.05). The decline of QoL was associated with gender, age, education level, chemotherapy regimen, Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score, RIOM severity, NRS 2002 score, PG-SGA score, and lymphocyte level (all P < 0.05). Conclusions QoL declined during RT and were associated with certain factors. Healthcare professionals should focus on alleviating treatment-related complications and identifying individuals at high risk of malnutrition early to improve outcomes for patients with NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Kan
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Center Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Graduate School of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuang Yang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Center Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Xueting Wu
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Center Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Graduate School of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Siqi Wang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Center Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Graduate School of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xueyu Li
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Center Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Graduate School of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Fangyuan Zhang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Center Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Peiguo Wang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Center Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Center Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
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Bossi P, De Luca R, Ciani O, D’Angelo E, Caccialanza R. Malnutrition management in oncology: An expert view on controversial issues and future perspectives. Front Oncol 2022; 12:910770. [PMID: 36276153 PMCID: PMC9579941 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.910770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer and anticancer treatments can lead to several negative side effects, including malnutrition. Despite the recognized need for adequate nutritional support in cancer patients, in daily clinical practice, nutrition is still not considered one of the first aspects to be considered. Malnutrition negatively affects the clinical outcomes, treatment response, and overall survival of cancer patients. In this study, three of the most controversial issues related to malnutrition, which emerged during an Italian Consensus Conference, were addressed specifically for patients with head and neck as well as gastrointestinal cancer. The timing of nutritional evaluation and intervention, extension of the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS®) protocols, and cost-effectiveness of nutritional interventions have been considered. This study aimed to illustrate the state-of-the art of each issue and hypothesize future perspectives and actions to be taken, trying to suggest a new nutritional management model for cancer patients in Italy that overcomes the critical issues encountered. Of note, the timely diagnosis of nutritional issue appears to be essential to ensure the correct management of malnourished cancer patients as well as those who are at high risk of malnutrition. Standardized protocols, screening tests, and the inclusion of nutritional parameters in patient medical records would help to achieve good clinical outcomes. Finally, appropriate nutritional support is also associated with cost savings, and it seems necessary to promote its clinical and economic value to obtain improvements in both outcomes and management costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Bossi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Raffaele De Luca
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Raffaele De Luca,
| | - Oriana Ciani
- Centre for Research on Health and Social Care Management (CERGAS), Scuola di Direzione Aziendale (SDA) Bocconi School of Management, Bocconi University, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa D’Angelo
- Radiotherapy Unit, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Riccardo Caccialanza
- Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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