Effect of nutritional status and support on survival in esophageal cancer patients undergoing combined modality therapy

Abstract

e20641 Background: Baseline nutritional status is associated with clinical outcomes in esophageal cancer. Moreover, nutritional support during chemoradiation has been shown to improve outcomes in other disease sites. This retrospective study evaluated the impact of nutritional interventions and baseline nutritional status on outcomes in patients (pts) with locally advanced esophageal cancer. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 132 pts treated with curative intent using radiation (RT) between 1986 and 2007 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. The median age of the population was 60 years (range: 33–86). Esophagectomy was performed in 70%, with adjuvant RT in 60% and neoadjuvant RT in 40%. Concurrent chemotherapy was given to 85% of the group. Nutritional counseling was provided to 83% of pts. During RT, oral or enteral nutritional supplements were provided to 77% of pts and intravenous fluids (IVF) were given to 38%. Median follow-up was 14.1 months. Results: Median survival from end of radiation was 1.5 yrs. Median absolute and percentage weight loss during RT were 6.2 lbs and 3.8%, respectively. Median percentage decrease in hemoglobin and albumin were 5.7% and 9.1%, respectively. Univariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant association between weight loss of ≥5 lbs during RT and worse survival (HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.09 - 2.79, p=0.02). Decrease in hemoglobin of 5% or more (HR 1.22, 95% CI 0.59 - 2.54) and decrease in albumin of 10% or more (HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.48 - 2.48) were not associated with survival. Patients who received only nutritional supplements during RT survived significantly longer (p=0.03) than pts who received IVF regardless of nutritional supplementation (HR 2.12, 95% CI 1.12 - 4.01) or pts who received neither nutritional supplements nor IVF (HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.03 - 3.14). Conclusions: Weight loss during RT predicted for worse survival. Nutritional factors before and during RT may be important in outcomes in patients with esophageal cancer and may be modifiable. The use of IVF may be a potential indicator of worse prognosis. Future prospective studies should consider these factors in trial design. No significant financial relationships to disclose.