Esophagogastric Cancer Research Articles

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.

ThP3.7 - Evaluating the Effectiveness of Internal Vetting for General Practitioners Referrals with Urgent Suspicion of Oesophago-Gastric Cancer

Abstract Aim The NHS faces substantial pressure on surgical clinic waiting times especially for urgent suspicion of cancer (USOC). This study audits the effectiveness of internal vetting process and the clinic waiting time for patients referred as USOC for oesophago-gastric cancer. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of all consecutive USOC referrals with suspected oesophago-gastric cancer who had clinic appointment in a single surgical unit between April to September 2022. All patients who fulfilled the Scottish referral criteria for USOC were included. Patients demographics, the urgency of clinic slot utilised and waiting time to clinic were analysed. This study was registered with Clinical Quality Project (LanQIP 14749). Results 275 patients were included; median age was 63 years (IQR 52-73) and 153 (55.6%) were female. 94 (34.2%) patients were appointed as USOC, 120 (43.6%) as urgent and 61 (22.2%) as routine clinic slot. Overall, the median time for clinic appointment was 42 days (IQR 31-63). The median time to clinic was 47, 42 and 21 days for USOC, urgent and routine clinic appointments, respectively. 21 (7.6%) patients did not attend clinic. Of the patients who attended the clinic, 200 (78.7%) had endoscopy requested. Conclusions Although General Practitioners made appropriate referrals, a noteworthy portion of patients were reassigned to urgent or routine clinic slots. Nevertheless, those downgraded in urgency received prompt clinic reviews. This can be attributed to the strategic use of less urgent slots, ensuring timely assessments for patients with urgent suspicion of oesophago-gastric cancer.

ThP3.8 - General Practitioner Compliance to Scottish Referral Guidelines for Urgent Suspicion of Oesophago-gastric Cancer

Abstract Aim The referral guidelines in Scotland stipulate that patients with urgent suspicion of cancer (USOC) should commence treatment within 62 days of diagnosis from the date of primary care referral. In this study, we assessed the adherence of general practitioners (GPs) to the Scottish Referral Guidelines for USOC. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of all consecutive USOC referrals from GP who were given clinic appointment for Upper GI Surgeons in a single centre for suspected oesophago-gastric cancer between April to September 2022. Patient’s electronic case notes were analysed and the referral indication audited against the Scottish referral guidelines. This study was registered with Clinical Quality Project (LanQIP 14746). Results 361 patients were identified, median age was 63 years (IQR 52-72) and 200 (55.4%) were female. Median Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation was 4 (IQR 3-7). 138 (38.3%) were referred for dysphagia. 5 (1.4%) were vetted straight to the test and had endoscopy prior the clinic consultation. 275 (76.2%) of the GP referrals for USOC were compliant with the Scottish referral guidelines. Median time from the referral to the clinic consultation was 44 days (IQR 31-63). 35 (9.7%) of patients did not attend the clinic. Conclusions The criteria outlined in the Scottish referral guidelines for USOC provide clear parameters for clinic referrals. Our findings reveal that the majority of GP referrals align appropriately with the USOC criteria. Increasing education and awareness among GPs can further enhance compliance with these guidelines and reduce pressure on the clinic waiting time.

ThP3.9 - Direct to PET-CT in oesophagogastric cancers: A pilot project at a tertiary upper gastrointestinal surgical referral centre

Abstract Background Oesophageal cancer contributes to 18% of cancer mortalities worldwide. The aim of this pilot project was to offer direct positron emission tomography- computed tomography (PET-CT) imaging and observe any differences in time to investigation and treatment in the cohorts. Methods Patients referred with a diagnosis of oesophageal cancer between 1st January 2022 to 31st December 2022 were included. Data was collected from the electronic patient record and retrospective analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel. Results A total of 189 patients with OG cancer were included. There were 89 local and 100 network patients. Median age was 71[range 37 – 93]. Locally male female ratio was 52:37 and in the network 73:27 [“p” 0.03]. Of 35 patients who had direct PET-CT (A) 31(88%) were local and 4(12%) from the network. Among 115 patients who had a CT followed by PET scan (B) 29(25%) were local and 86 (75%) from the network [ “p” 0.00001]. Waiting times were 27 days for a PET-CT as compared to 32 days for PET after CT scan [ “p” 0.09]. Reports were available in a median 4 days in group A compared to 3.5 days in group B [ “p” 0.66]. In group A 12 (35%) had metastases with nodal metastases in 9(75%) and distant metastases in 3(25%). Conclusion Whilst direct to PET-CT improved patient experience there were no statistically significant differences in the time to investigations and treatment. Three patients with distant metastases offered direct PET-CT could have been diagnosed by CT.

522. MULTI-SLICE, VOLUMETRIC COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS IN PATIENTS WITH OESOPHAGOGASTRIC CANCER

Abstract Background Single-slice computed tomography (CT) body composition has been studied extensively for prognostication in patients with cancer. New software packages can also provide multi-slice volumetric measurements, but the clinical utility of these remains under explored. This study aimed to evaluate the concordance between single- and multi-slice body composition analyses in patients with oesophagogastric cancer, and to explore the association between these measures and overall survival. Methods Consecutive patients with newly diagnosed oesophagogastric cancer were identified through the prospectively maintained regional database of the South-East Scotland Cancer Network across a 2-year study period. CT body composition analyses were undertaken using scans collected during routine clinical care. Single-slice (cross-sectional area at mid L3) and multi-slice (volume between T12-L4) measurements were obtained for skeletal muscle (SKM), subcutaneous adipose (SAT), visceral adipose (VAT) and intermuscular adipose (IMAT). Agreement between sex-stratified z-scores was quantified using Pearson correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman analyses. Cox proportional hazard modelling was used to estimate the effect of these measures on overall survival. Results Overall, 504 patients (67.9% male, median 72 years) were newly diagnosed with oesophagogastric cancer during the study period. Treatment was commenced with curative intent for 131 patients (26.0%). Single-slice area and multi-slice measurements were highly correlated for SKM (R: 0.97, p&amp;lt;0.001), SAT (R: 0.98, p&amp;lt;0.001) and VAT (R: 0.97, p&amp;lt;0.001), SKM radiodensity (R: 0.93, p&amp;lt;0.001) and IMAT (R: 0.88, p&amp;lt;0.001). Bias on Bland-Altman analysis was 0.00 for all tissue measurements. Limits of agreement (LoA) were narrowest for SAT (± 0.43), VAT (± 0.46) and SKM (± 0.48), but slightly wider for SKM radiodensity (± 0.73) and IMAT (± 0.96). Adipose tissue ‘outliers’ (those where agreement between single- and multi-slice z-scores was outside the LoA) had a higher median weight and body mass index (BMI), suggestive of poorer agreement in patients with obesity. Sensitivity analysis, excluding those with BMI &amp;gt;30, narrowed the LoA for SKM, VAT, SAT and IMAT. Direction and magnitudes of observed effect sizes for overall survival were all highly comparable, with hazard ratios for each tissue type varying by ≤0.04 between single- and multi-slice adjusted estimates. Conclusions Single-slice and multi-slice assessments of CT body composition provide highly correlated measurements for skeletal muscle, subcutaneous fat, visceral fat, and intra-muscular fat amongst patients with OG cancer. However, agreement between measurements is poorer in patients with obesity. The associations between these tissues measurements and overall survival are comparable across both types of body composition analysis.

618. A COMPARISON OF HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AT ONE YEAR FOLLOWING MINIMALLY INVASIVE VERSUS OPEN ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract Introduction Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is being increasingly adopted in the surgical management of esophagogastric cancer. While equivalent clinical and oncological outcomes have been demonstrated in comparison with open resections, differences in health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) between the 2 modalities into survivorship remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in HR-QOL between MIE and open esophagectomies (OE) at 1 year post-resection. Methods Consecutive patients undergoing an esophagectomy at a single, U.K based tertiary referral centre for esophagogastric cancer between January 2018 – December 2022 were evaluated. MIE was defined as utilisation of laparoscopic, thoracoscopic or robotic access for at least one phase of an esophagectomy. HR-QOL at 1 year following surgery was measured using the validated European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and esophagogastric cancer module (QLQ-OG25) and compared between groups. Results A total of 28 patients undergoing MIE and 25 patients undergoing OE were included. No statistical difference was noted in mean global HR-QOL between the OE and MIE cohorts at 1 year (69.33±19.50 vs 64.88±22.05; p=0.66). No statistically significant intergroup differences between OE versus MIE were observed at 1 year in physical functioning (82.67±16.89 vs 79.05±24.39; p=0.97) or role functioning (73.33±29.27 vs 67.86±32.37; p=0.60) domains. Similarly, no difference was observed in symptoms of nausea/vomiting (10.67±18.17 vs 8.93±14.69; p=0.56), pain (29.33±25.56 vs 26.79±33.44; p=0.26) or fatigue (29.78±25.40 vs 37.70±30.44; p=0.44). Conclusion HR-QOL remains comparable between MIE and OE at 1 year. Patient-reported outcomes must be assessed in the long-term to determine if minimally invasive approaches confer HR-QOL improvements well into survivorship.