Goal-directed nutritional support in preserving muscle mass and optimising recovery in treatment of oesophageal cancer: results of a prospective non-randomised cluster trial.
Iris Barth, Iris Stelwagen, Linda B M Weerink et al.
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In 30 seconds
This prospective non-randomised cluster trial evaluated the impact of a goal-directed nutritional support protocol (GDNS) on muscle mass and survival in adults with oesophageal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and oesophagectomy. Results showed that while GDNS led to a smaller decline in appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI) compared to usual care, the differences were not statistically significant, and survival rates were similar between groups.
Key findings
- ASMI declined by -2.53% in GDNS and -3.20% in usual care during CRT, P=0.559.
- ASMI recovered post-CRT with increases of 0.95% in GDNS and 2.51% in usual care, P=0.368.
- At 12 months postoperatively, ASMI decreased by -5.75% in GDNS and -7.09% in usual care, P=0.598.
- No significant differences in one-year overall and disease-free survival between GDNS and usual care.
Why it matters
The study highlights the challenges of muscle preservation and recovery in oesophageal cancer patients undergoing CRT and surgery. Understanding the effects of nutritional support can inform clinical practices aimed at improving patient outcomes during recovery.