PD715 - EARLY AND PROACTIVE NUTRITION PREHABILITATION FOR GASTROESOPHAGEAL CANCER

PD715

EARLY AND PROACTIVE NUTRITION PREHABILITATION FOR GASTROESOPHAGEAL CANCER

J. Pimiento^1,*, C. Santiago¹, A. J. Sinnamon¹, A. L. Pereira¹, K. Turner^2,3

¹Moffitt Cancer Center , Tampa, ²University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, ³Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill , United States

Rationale: Malnutrition is common among patients (pts) with gastroesophageal cancer (GEC) and affects surgical recovery, quality of life, and overall survival. 

Methods: We conducted a single-arm feasibility study of a nutritional prehabilitation program (NPP) for pts with GEC (N=20). Pts received bi-weekly nutrition counseling from a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and a mobile app or paper diary to log food intake and nutrition symptoms for up to 12 weeks before surgery. Pts completed baseline,1, 2, and 3 month surveys. We assessed feasibility and acceptability against pre-planned benchmarks (BK) and within-person changes in nutritional status (PG-SGA), health-related quality of life (FACT-G), and anorexia/cachexia symptoms (FAACT subscale) using linear mixed effects models. 

Results: Among the 43 screened pts, 20 consented to participate (47% vs. 40% BK), 17 pts were retained at the end of the study (85% vs. 85% BK). Median age was 68 years (48-78). Most participants attended all RDN visits (70% vs 70% BK). Fewer participants completed the food and symptom diary (65% vs 70% BK). All participants (100% vs. BK 80%) who completed the program (N=17) reported a high level of satisfaction. PG-SGA score decreased from baseline to 3 months (mean change: - 2.63 points; 95% CI: -3.40, -1.86; P < .001), indicating improved nutritional status. Participants’ FACT-G score increased from baseline to 3 months (mean change: 5.84 points; 95% CI: 4.86-6.82; P < .001), indicating improved quality of life. Participants’ FAACT score increased from baseline to 3 months (mean change: 4.10 points; 95% CI: 3.06-5.14; P< .001), indicating improved anorexia/cachexia-related symptoms. 

Conclusion: Findings suggest that NPP is feasible and acceptable among pts with GEC and could lead to improved nutrition status and quality of life. This findings need to be confirmed in a definitive randomized clinical trial.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared