Esophagogastric Cancer Research Articles

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with FLOT scheme in surgical treatment of gastric cancer: short- and long-term outcomes. A retrospective cohort study

Aim. To compare the results of surgical treatment of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma and esophagogastric junction cancer (EGJC) who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) FLOT with primary operated patients. Materials and methods. A retrospective cohort study included 177 patients who underwent radical surgical treatment at the Burdenko Faculty Surgery Clinic of Sechenov University for gastric cancer (GC) and/or EGJC Sievert Type II–III in the period from January 2018 to December 2022. The main group consisted of patients (n=28) who received NCT FLOT. Patients in both groups did not statistically significantly differ in average age (p=0.110), ASA status (p=0.541), ECOG status 0–3 (p=0.12), localization (p=0.063), depth of invasion (p=0.099) and histological structure of the tumor (p=0.787). In the main group, more patients with lesion of the regional lymph nodes were expected (p0.001). According to the most significant indicators [postoperative complications, the presence of a "positive" edge of resection (R1), recurrence and/or progression of GC], we performed a quasi-randomization by the matching procedure, taking into account the selection of the nearest neighbors. Results. In 92.9% of patients in the main group and in 94.9% of the control group, R0 resection (p=0.750) was achieved. The number of removed lymph nodes was statistically significantly higher in the main group (average 26 vs 21; p=0.010). There was no difference in intraoperative blood loss (p=0.294) and hospital stay (p=0.992). The average duration of surgery in the main group was 319 minutes, compared to 250 minutes in the control group (p0.001). In the early postoperative period, the total number of complications (CD I–IV) was higher in the main group (p=0.031), however, there was no difference in the number of small (CD I–II; p=0.094) and significant (CD III–V; p=0.142) complications. Postoperative mortality in the first 30 days after surgical treatment was 3.6 and 2.5% in the main and control groups, respectively (p=0.764). The overall 6-month survival rate in the control group was 95.9% vs 90.9% in the main group, and the 12-month survival rate was 88.8% vs 75.7%, respectively. The reccurence-free 6-month survival rate in the control group was 96%, in the main group – 100%; the reccurence-free 12-month survival rate in the control group was 92.1%, in the NCT group – 93.3%. Conclusion. NCT FLOT in the treatment of GC and EGJC Sievert Type II–III does not increase the level of intraoperative blood loss, the number of postoperative complications and the duration of hospitalization. The 6-month and one-year survival rates did not differ in the two groups. Considering that the majority of patients in the NCT group belonged to the cN+ category, with an initially less favorable treatment prognosis, it can be assumed that comparable survival results were achieved thanks to NCT.

Advantages of adjuvant chemotherapy using S-1 following minimally invasive gastrectomy for gastric cancer versus open surgery: a propensity score-matched analysis.

It is essential to ensure optimal adherence to adjuvant chemotherapy regimens following gastric cancer surgery. However, treatment intensity for S-1 as adjuvant chemotherapy has not as yet been compared between minimally invasive (MI) and open (Open) surgery. We retrospectively compared dose modification of adjuvant S-1 between MI and Open surgery in patients undergoing R0 gastrectomy for gastric or esophago-gastric junction cancer at the Cancer Institute Hospital Tokyo, Japan, during the period from 2012 to 2022, and receiving S-1 for pStage II or S-1 plus docetaxel for pStage III as adjuvant chemotherapy. Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to adjust for possible confounders. In total, 323 patients were initially included. After PSM, 158 patients remained, 79 in each group. The adjuvant chemotherapy completion rates were similar in the two groups. However, the proportion of patients who required S-1 dose reduction was significantly lower in the MI than in the Open group (43.0% vs. 65.8%, p = 0.004). In addition, the MI group had significantly fewer patients requiring suspension of S-1 than the Open group (46.8% vs. 64.6%, p = 0.025). Moreover, the frequency of adverse events of grade ≥ 3 was significantly lower in the MI than in the Open group (17.7% vs. 31.7%, p = 0.042). In adjuvant chemotherapy for gastric cancer, minimally invasive surgery may offer better treatment intensity for oral S-1 administration than open surgery.

Modified Double-Tract Reconstruction in Gastrointestinal Reconstruction after Proximal Gastrectomy.

To determine the clinical efficacy and safety of modified double-channel anastomosis for digestive tract reconstruction in proximal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer (EGC). Case series. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Heji Hospital, Changzhi Medical College, Shanxi, China, from January to November 2022. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, this study included a total of 21 patients with oesophagogastric junction cancer or proximal gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with modified double-channel anastomosis. After resection of the proximal stomach, the remaining stomach was shaped into a tube. The distal end of the oesophagus was anastomosed to the jejunum. The jejunum was anastomosed 10-15 cm from the oesophagojejunostomy site laterally to the anterior wall of the stomach 3 cm from the gastric remnant. General data including operative time, anastomosis time, intraoperative blood loss, time to oral intake, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications were evaluated. Postoperative gastroscopy and gastrointestinal imaging were performed to assess the residual stomach motility and anti-reflux effect. All twenty-one patients underwent modified double-channel anastomosis. The mean operation time was 254 (211 - 297) minutes. Mean reconstruction time was 65 (60 - 70) minutes. A mean of 19 (15 - 29) lymph nodes were cleared. Mean intraoperative blood loss was 86 (78.5-105ml). Mean time to oral intake was 6 (5 - 6.5) days. Postoperatively, there were two cases of pulmonary infection. There was no occurrence of anastomotic stenosis, anastomotic bleeding, or leakage. Gastrointestinal contrast study at 6 months postoperatively revealed reduced gastrointestinal motility in three cases and good residual gastric motility observed in the remaining patients. Gastroscopic examination at 6 months postoperatively revealed only one case of reflux oesophagitis. Modified double-channel anastomosis for proximal gastrectomy is safe and feasible. It provides a good anti-reflux effect and gastric emptying function without increasing the risk of postoperative complications. Adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction, Upper gastric carcinoma, Proximal gastrectomy, Double-tract reconstruction.

Modified Double-Tract Reconstruction in Gastrointestinal Reconstruction after Proximal Gastrectomy.

To determine the clinical efficacy and safety of modified double-channel anastomosis for digestive tract reconstruction in proximal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer (EGC). Case series. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Heji Hospital, Changzhi Medical College, Shanxi, China, from January to November 2022. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, this study included a total of 21 patients with oesophagogastric junction cancer or proximal gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with modified double-channel anastomosis. After resection of the proximal stomach, the remaining stomach was shaped into a tube. The distal end of the oesophagus was anastomosed to the jejunum. The jejunum was anastomosed 10-15 cm from the oesophagojejunostomy site laterally to the anterior wall of the stomach 3 cm from the gastric remnant. General data including operative time, anastomosis time, intraoperative blood loss, time to oral intake, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications were evaluated. Postoperative gastroscopy and gastrointestinal imaging were performed to assess the residual stomach motility and anti-reflux effect. All twenty-one patients underwent modified double-channel anastomosis. The mean operation time was 254 (211 - 297) minutes. Mean reconstruction time was 65 (60 - 70) minutes. A mean of 19 (15 - 29) lymph nodes were cleared. Mean intraoperative blood loss was 86 (78.5-105ml). Mean time to oral intake was 6 (5 - 6.5) days. Postoperatively, there were two cases of pulmonary infection. There was no occurrence of anastomotic stenosis, anastomotic bleeding, or leakage. Gastrointestinal contrast study at 6 months postoperatively revealed reduced gastrointestinal motility in three cases and good residual gastric motility observed in the remaining patients. Gastroscopic examination at 6 months postoperatively revealed only one case of reflux oesophagitis. Modified double-channel anastomosis for proximal gastrectomy is safe and feasible. It provides a good anti-reflux effect and gastric emptying function without increasing the risk of postoperative complications. Adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction, Upper gastric carcinoma, Proximal gastrectomy, Double-tract reconstruction.

Nutritional support via feeding jejunostomy in esophago-gastric cancers: proposal of a common working strategy based on the available evidence.

Malnutrition is common in patients affected by esophago-gastric cancers and has a negative impact on both clinical and economic outcomes. Yet not all patients at risk of malnutrition are routinely assessed and receive appropriate support. Further, available research does not provide a mean for standardization of timing, route, and dosage for nutritional support, and this is particularly true for enteral nutrition via feeding jejunostomy. Herein, we provide an overview of the current evidence and use the gathered knowledge as a starting point for a consensus proposal. As a result, we aim to facilitate the development of appropriate and uniformed interventions, thus fulfilling the need for a multimodal therapeutic approach in these set of cancer patients.

Conversion surgery for esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer.

As a result of the recent advances in first-line treatment including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy (ICI) for locally advanced/metastatic initially unresectable esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer, surgery aiming at cure after initial treatment, so-called "conversion surgery" has become more common in this field. Several studies have indicated encouraging survival outcomes for patients after conversion surgery with R0 resection. However, various issues, such the utility and the safety of conversion surgery remain unclear. In this review, we will focus on the surgical treatment for initially unresectable esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer after first- or later- line treatment and review recent evidence regarding the safety and the efficacy of conversion surgery. Multidisciplinary treatment including surgery may serve as a novel treatment strategy for esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer, thus provide a curative treatment option and potentially contribute to better prognosis for initially untreatable diseases.

Development and Initial Implementation of a Clinical Monitoring Strategy in a Non-regulated Trial: a research note from the ReStOre II Trial

Background Data and Safety Monitoring is integral to quality assurance of clinical trials. Although monitoring is a core legal component of regulated clinical trials, non-regulated trials are not mandated to incorporate monitoring. Consequently, the monitoring process has been underutilised and underreported in this setting. This research report outlines the development and plans for implementing a bespoke Clinical Monitoring Strategy within the ‘Rehabilitation Strategies Following Oesophagogastric and Hepatopancreaticobiliary Cancer (ReStOre II) Trial’, a non-regulated trial comparing a 12-week multidisciplinary programme of rehabilitation to standard care in a cohort of 120 cancer survivors. Methods This research note provides a detailed overview of the ReStOre II Clinical Monitoring Strategy and describes the development of the strategy pre and post awarding of the grant. The strategy consists of the establishment and implementation of a comprehensive trial governance structure, inclusive of a Trial Management Group, Trial Steering Committee Meeting, and Independent Data Monitoring Committee. In addition, external trial monitoring by the Clinical Research Facility at St James’s Hospital. Three monitoring visits will be conducted during the trial; i) site initiation visit, ii) interim monitoring visit, and iii) close our visit. Results The Clinical Monitoring Strategy has been finalised and is currently being implemented within the ReStOre II Trial. Two site initiation visits and one interim monitoring visit have been completed to date. Conclusion This research note provides a template for implementation of a Clinical Monitoring Strategy in a non-regulated clinical trial. Registration ReStOre II Trial: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03958019

Efficacy of the U‐shaped flap technique in preventing reflux after minimally invasive proximal gastrectomy for proximal gastric and esophagogastric junction cancer

Efficacy of the U‐shaped flap technique in preventing reflux after minimally invasive proximal gastrectomy for proximal gastric and esophagogastric junction cancer

Altered Microbiome Promotes Pro-Inflammatory Pathways in Oesophago-Gastric Tumourigenesis.

The upper gastrointestinal microbiome is a dynamic entity that is involved in numerous processes including digestion, production of vitamins and protection against pathogens. Many external and intrinsic factors may cause changes in the proportions of bacteria within the microbial community, termed 'dysbiosis'. A number of these have been identified as risk factors for a range of diseases, including oesophago-gastric carcinoma. A narrative review was conducted to elucidate the current evidence on the role of the microbiome in promoting oesophago-gastric tumourigenesis. Significant causes of dysbiosis including age, medications and GORD were examined and key pro-inflammatory pathways implicated in tumourigenesis and their interaction with the microbiome were described. An association between microbial dysbiosis and development of oesophago-gastric cancer may be mediated via activation of pro-inflammatory pathways, the inflammasome and the innate immune system. Advances in sequencing technology allow microbial communities to be fingerprinted by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene, enabling a deeper understanding of the genera that may be implicated in driving tumourigenesis. Developing a greater understanding of the influence of the microbiota on oesophago-gastric tumourigenesis may enable advances to be made in the early detection of malignancy and in the development of novel systemic therapies, leading to improved rates of survival.

INTEGRATE IIa Phase III Study: Regorafenib for Refractory Advanced Gastric Cancer.

Treatment options for refractory advanced gastric and esophagogastric junction cancer (AGOC) are limited. Regorafenib, an oral multikinase inhibitor, prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) versus placebo in the INTEGRATE I phase II trial. INTEGRATE IIa was designed to examine whether regorafenib improved overall survival (OS). A double-blind placebo-controlled phase III trial compared regorafenib and best supportive care (BSC) versus placebo and BSC for participants with confirmed evaluable metastatic/advanced AGOC who failed ≥two prior therapies on a 2:1 random assignment, stratified by tumor location, geographic region (Asia v rest of world), and prior vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors. The primary end point was OS. Treatment efficacy on OS was first tested in the pooled INTEGRATE I + INTEGRATE IIa cohort and, if significant, then in the INTEGRATE IIa cohort. Secondary end points were PFS, objective response rate, safety, and quality of life (QoL). INTEGRATE IIa enrolled 251 participants: 157 from Asia and 94 from rest of world and 169 received regorafenib and 82 received placebo. No significant heterogeneity was observed between INTEGRATE I and INTEGRATE IIa studies on OS. Pooled OS analysis hazard ratio (HR) was 0.70 (95% CI, 0.56 to 0.87; P = .001; 361 events). INTEGRATE IIa alone OS HR was 0.68 (95% CI, 0.52 to 0.90; P = .006; 238 events), the median OS was 4.5 months versus 4.0 months, and 12-month survival rates were 19% and 6%, for regorafenib versus placebo, respectively. After a preplanned adjustment for multiplicity, there were no statistically significant differences across regions or other prespecified subgroups. Regorafenib improved PFS (HR, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.40 to 0.70]; P < .0001) and delayed deterioration in global QoL (HR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.52 to 0.89]; P = .0043). The toxicity profile was consistent with that of previous reports. Regorafenib improves survival compared with placebo in refractory AGOC.

Optimising outcomes for frail patients with oesophagogastric (OG) cancers: The impact of dose reduction and comprehensive geriatric assessment.

303 Background: Delivery of appropriate management of elderly patients with OG malignancies in the palliative setting remains challenging and unpredictable. Incidence of OG cancers increases markedly with age, and there are growing numbers of elderly, frail and medically complex patients referred to oncology services for treatment. An adaptive approach to their management is required, tailored to their complex medical needs. The GO2 study sought to optimise chemotherapy delivery in this cohort and demonstrated that upfront dose reductions do not reduce progression-free survival in OG cancers. We analysed the treatment and outcome of elderly patients undergoing first-line palliative chemotherapy at our centre, with or without comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). Methods: We retrospectively analysed the records of patients over the age of 75 treated at our centre between May 2011 and March 2023. Progression-free survival (PFS) was calculated from the date of treatment initiation to date of radiological progression, or 19 th March 2024 if patients had not progressed. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from treatment initiation to date of death per the electronic health record, or 19 th March 2024 if patients had not died. Grade 3 (G3) toxicities and dose reductions (DRs) were identified from medical records. Statistical analyses were performed using R v4.3.3. Results: 82 patients were included in the analysis. Overall median PFS was 6.5 months (1-107 months) and median OS was 10 months (1-107 months). Patients who qualified for chemotherapy with immunotherapy had improved PFS (median 16 months, range 2-27 months) and OS (median 16 months, range 10-27 months). G3 toxicities were increased in patients without upfront DR (44% vs. 30%). The most significant predictor for survival in multivariate analysis was performance status (PS), which was associated with worse PFS (hazard ratio 2.66, range 1.35–5.35, p = 0.004), and OS (hazard ratio 6.13, range 2.79–13.44, p &lt; 0.001). Age was not associated with survival. Consistent with the GO2 trial, there was no association between upfront DR and PFS (p = 0.13) or OS (p = 0.72). 38% of patients underwent CGA as part of their workup for chemotherapy. These patients were more likely to have upfront DR (61% vs. 47%). In this cohort, G3 toxicity rates were comparable in patients with PS 0-1 who underwent CGA (39% vs. 35%). In patients with PS ≥ 2, G3 toxicity rates were higher in those who did not undergo CGA (67% vs. 30%). Conclusions: Upfront DR in elderly patients is safe and does not impact survival but does reduce the burden of toxicity. PS, rather than age, is a better predictor of survival and treatment outcome. CGA may help mitigate toxicity burden in patients with poor performance status.

Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery of Great Britain and Ireland (AUGIS)/perioperative quality initiative (POQI) consensus statement on prehabilitation in oesophagogastric surgery.

Prehabilitation is safe, feasible and may improve a range of outcomes in patients with oesophago-gastric cancer (OGC). Recent studies have suggested the potential of prehabilitation to improve body composition, sarcopenia and physical fitness, reduce surgical complications and improve quality of life. Despite this, prehabilitation services are not offered throughout all OGC centres in the UK. Where prehabilitation is offered, delivery and definitions vary significantly, as do funding sources and access. A professional association endorsed series of consensus meetings were conducted using a modified Delphi process developed by the Peri-Operative Quality Initiative (POQI) to identify and refine consensus statements relating to the development and delivery of prehabilitation services for OGC patients. Participants from a variety of disciplines were identified based on a track record of published studies in the field of prehabilitation and/or practice experience encompassing prehabilitation of OGC patients. Approval from the POQI board was obtained and independent supervision provided by POQI. A total of 20 statements were developed and agreed by 26 participants over a preliminary meeting and 2 semi-structured formal POQI meetings. Ten research themes were identified. In the case of one statement, consensus was not reached and the statement was recorded and developed into a research theme. A strong recommendation was made for the majority of the consensus statements (17 of 20). Consensus statements encompassing the interventions and outcomes of prehabilitation services in oesophago-gastric cancer surgery have been developed to inform the implementation of programmes.

Validity and Reliability of the Amharic Version of EORTC QLQ-OG25 Among Esophagogastric Cancer Patients inEthiopia.

Cancers of the stomach and esophagus are the fourth and sixth most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, respectively. Although various tools have been developed to assess the quality of life of patients with esophagogastric cancer, EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-OG25 are the most used all over the world. However, they have not been validated in an Ethiopian context. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of EORTC QLQ-OG25 among Ethiopian patients with esophageal and gastric cancer. EORTC QLQ-OG25 is a 25-item tool with 10 single items and six symptom scales: Eating restrictions, reflux, dysphagia, odynophagia, discomfort and pain, and anxiety. The tool was translated into Amharic according to the EORTC forward-backward translation protocol. To check its validity and reliability, a cross-sectional study among 158 patients was conducted from March to May 2020 at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The psychometric properties of EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-OG25 were assessed using multitrait scale analysis, known group validity, convergent validity, and divergent validity. Internal consistency was examined with Cronbach's alpha. Eighty-three (52.5%) of the participants were men; the median age was 50 years (IQR = 18 years). The overall item correlation alpha values ranged between 0.39 and 0.7. All item correlations within their scales were greater than 0.4. The correlation coefficients between all items and their own domain were greater than for other domains. The esophagogastric and core questionnaire correlation ranged from -0.65 to 0.62. The tool showed a significant difference between patients with good physical function and those with impaired physical function. The findings suggest that the Amharic version of EORTC QLQ-OG25 is a valid and reliable tool among patients from Ethiopia with esophagus and gastric cancer. Therefore, we recommend that researchers and clinicians use the core tool together with the specific tool.

Computed tomography evaluation of sarcopenia among oesophago-gastric cancer patients

Computed tomography evaluation of sarcopenia among oesophago-gastric cancer patients

Systemic Therapy of Gastric Cancer—State of the Art and Future Perspectives

Background: The prognosis of patients diagnosed with locally advanced and metastatic gastric and esophago-gastric junction cancer is critical. The optimal choice of systemic therapy is essential to optimize survival outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive literature review via PubMed and analysis of major oncology congresses (European Society for Medical Oncology and American Society of Clinical Oncology websites) were conducted to ascertain the current status and latest developments in the systemic treatment of patients with localized or advanced gastric and esophago-gastric junction adenocarcinoma. Results: While neoadjuvant and perioperative chemotherapy for localized tumor stages is the preferred approach in the Western Hemisphere, adjuvant chemotherapy remains the preferred course of action in East Asia. The administration of chemotherapy, typically in the form of combinations comprising platinum and fluoropyrimidine compounds in combination with docetaxel, represents a standard of care. Investigations are underway into the potential of immunotherapy and other biologically targeted agents in the perioperative setting. To select the most appropriate therapy for advanced gastric cancer, including adenocarcinoma of the esophago-gastric junction, it is essential to determine biomarkers such as HER2 expression, PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) (combined positive score), Claudin 18.2, and microsatellite instability (MSI). In the present clinical context, the standard first-line therapy is a combination of fluoropyrimidine and a platinum derivative. The selection of chemotherapy in combination with antibodies is contingent upon the specific biomarker under consideration. Conclusions: This article reviews the current state of the art based on recent clinical trial results and provides an outlook on the future of systemic therapy.

Oncologists’ communication about tobacco and alcohol use during treatment for esophagogastric cancer: a qualitative observational study of simulated consultations

PurposeTobacco and alcohol use influence cancer risk as well as treatment outcomes, specifically for esophageal and gastric cancer patients. Therefore, it is an important topic to discuss during consultations. This study aims to uncover medical, radiation, and surgical oncologists’ communication about substance use, i.e., tobacco and alcohol use, in simulated consultations about curative and palliative esophagogastric cancer treatment.MethodsSecondary analyses were performed on n = 40 standardized patient assessments (SPAs) collected in three Dutch clinical studies. Simulated patients with esophagogastric cancer were instructed to ask about smoking or alcohol use during treatment. The responses of the 40 medical, radiation, and surgical oncologists were transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was performed in MAXQDA.ResultsOncologists consistently advocated smoking cessation during curative treatment. There was more variation in their recommendations and arguments in the palliative compared to the curative setting and when addressing alcohol use instead of smoking. Overall, oncologists were less stringent regarding behavior change in the palliative than in the curative setting. Few oncologists actively inquired about the patient’s perspective on the substance use behavior, the recommended substance use change, or the support offered.ConclusionClear guidelines for oncologists on when and how to provide unequivocal recommendations about substance use behavior change and support to patients are needed. Oncologists might benefit from education on how to engage in a conversation about smoking or alcohol.

The impact of histological subtype on postoperative recurrence pattern and timing in locally advanced esophagogastric junction cancer

PurposeThe differences in tumor behavior between adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) have yet to be well investigated. The purpose of this study was to gain insights that can contribute to tailored treatments and follow-up strategies by analyzing the correlation between histological subtypes and oncological outcomes.MethodsA retrospective analysis was used to determine the characteristics of the histological subtypes of EGJ cancer by comparing the appearance of postoperative recurrence. A total of 102 consecutive patients with pathological stage IIA to IVA EGJ cancer, who underwent R0 surgery in our department from 2004 to 2020, were enrolled. The recurrence pattern, timing, survival, and potential prognostic factors were compared.ResultsAfter a median follow-up time of 70.1 months, the AC group demonstrated comparable lymph node failure-free survival (P = 0.291) and significantly worse non-lymphogenous recurrence-free survival (P = 0.035) than did the SCC group. A significantly longer period from surgery to recurrence was also observed in the AC group (P = 0.029). Multivariate analysis indicated that histological subtype (P = 0.015, 95% CI 1.24–7.28) was significantly correlated with the incidence of non-lymphogenous recurrence.ConclusionsThe pattern and timing of postoperative recurrence were significantly different between the histological subtypes of EGJ cancer. Compared with EGJ SCC, EGJ AC may have a greater tendency toward non-lymphogenous progression and a greater propensity for longer surgery-to-recurrence periods.

SP4.10 - Comparison of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) Phenotypic Criteria in Patients with Oesophagogastric Cancer

Abstract Aim The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) consensus proposed that patients should meet one of three phenotypic criteria for a diagnosis of malnutrition. This study examined the association between these criteria and survival in oesophagogastric cancer. Methods Consecutive patients newly diagnosed with oesophagogastric cancer were identified from a prospectively maintained regional database between 2019-2020. Data were collected regarding the GLIM phenotypical criteria: involuntary weight loss (≥5% in 6 months or ≥10% in &amp;gt;6 months), body mass index (&amp;lt;20kg/m2 (&amp;lt;70 years) or &amp;lt;22kg/m2 (&amp;gt;70 years)) and reduced muscle mass via body composition analysis. Cross-sectional area of skeletal muscle was measured at mid-L3 on staging CT imaging. This was normalised for height to create skeletal muscle index (SMI), with low SMI being defined as per Martin et al. The outcome of interest was overall survival. Results Overall, 465 patients (median 71 years, n=311 males) were identified. Weight loss (p=0.022), BMI (p&amp;lt;0.001) and SMI (p=0.005) cut-offs were all associated with reduced ECOG performance status. BMI and SMI were also associated with increased age. A higher proportion of patients with advanced stage malignancy met the weight loss threshold (p=0.001). Each phenotypical criterion was associated with worsened overall survival (all p&amp;lt;0.001). While all three were prognostic, following adjustment for confounders, low SMI (aHR:1.76 (95%CI:1.39-2.22)) was more strongly associated with poor survival than low BMI (aHR:1.57 (95%CI:1.18-2.08)) or weight loss (aHR:1.46 (95%CI:1.17-1.81)). Conclusion While each of the GLIM phenotypical criteria are adversely prognostic in oesophagogastric cancer, low SMI is most strongly associated with poor survival.

SP4.9 - Relationship Between Classifications for Cancer Cachexia and Overall Survival in Patients with Oesophagogastric Cancer

Abstract Aim Classifications for cancer cachexia remain heterogenous within the existing literature. The aim of this study is to compare prognostication using three established descriptors: the Fearon et al. consensus definition, Martin et al.’s weight loss grading system and the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, in patients with oesophagogastric cancer. Methods Consecutive patients with newly diagnosed oesophagogastric cancer between 2019-2020 were identified from a prospectively maintained regional database. Data were retrieved regarding involuntary weight loss, body mass index, CT body composition analyses and neutrophil-lymphocyte-ratio at the time of clinical staging. This allowed comparison based on Fearon, Martin and GLIM classifications. The primary outcome of interest was overall survival. Results Overall, 465 patients (66.9% male, median 71 years) were diagnosed with oesophageal (72.0%) or gastric cancer (28.0%). Greater proportions of advanced stage disease were associated with Fearon (p=0.019), Martin (p=0.004) and GLIM (p&amp;lt;0.001) defined cachexia. Patients who met the GLIM criteria were also older and had poorer ECOG performance status (both p&amp;lt;0001). Each cachexia classifier was associated with worsened overall survival (all p&amp;lt;0.001). Following adjustment for clinicopathological confounders, Fearon (aHR: 1.54 (95%CI:1.24-1.92) and GLIM defined cachexia (aHR: 1.74 (95%CI:1.40-2.17) were both adversely associated with overall survival. Grade 4 weight-loss, as per Martin et al., had the greatest prognostic effect (aHR: 2.11 (95%CI:1.52-2.93). Conclusion Cancer cachexia is strongly associated with poorer survival in oesophagogastric cancer. The GLIM criteria and high Martin et al. weight loss grade appear to have the greatest prognostic value.

MOY 2 - ‘Cachexia Index’ for Prognostication in Surgical Patients with Locally Advanced Oesophageal or Gastric Cancer: A Multicentre Cohort Study

Abstract Background Features of cancer cachexia are known to adversely influence patient outcomes, yet few currently inform clinical decision-making. This study assessed the value of ‘cachexia index’ (CXI), a novel prognostic marker, in patients planned for curative multimodal therapy (neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and surgery) for oesophagogastric cancer. Methods Consecutive patients newly diagnosed with locally advanced (T3/4 or ≥N1) oesophagogastric cancer were identified through the West of Scotland and South-East Scotland Cancer Networks. CXI was calculated as (L3 skeletal muscle index) x (serum albumin) / (neutrophil-lymphocyte-ratio). Sex-stratified cut-off values were determined based on area under the curve (AUC), and patients were divided into low and normal CXI groups. Primary outcomes of interest were disease progression during NAC and overall survival (≥5-years follow-up). Results Overall, 385 patients (72% male, median 66 years) were treated with NAC for oesophageal (n=274) or gastric (n=111) cancer across the study period. While patients with a low CXI (males: &amp;lt;52 [AUC: 0.691] and females: &amp;lt;41 [AUC: 0.759]) were older and more comorbid, disease characteristics were comparable to those with a normal CXI. Rates of disease progression during neoadjuvant chemotherapy, leading to inoperability, were higher in patients with low CXI (28% vs. 12%, aOR: 3.07 (95% CI: 1.67-5.64), p&amp;lt;0.001). Moreover, low CXI was associated with worsened post-operative mortality (p=0.019) and decreased overall survival (median: 14.9 vs. 56.9 months, aHR: 1.85 (95% CI: 1.42-2.42), p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion CXI represents a valuable marker of ‘host stage’, and a potential adjunct to routine tumour staging. This could improve prognostication and decision-making in patients with locally advanced oesophagogastric cancer.