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14 pages, 2341 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adipose Tissue Quantification Improves the Prognostic Value of GLIM Criteria in Advanced Gastric Cancer Patients

by Geum Jong Song, Hyein Ahn, Myoung Won Son, Jong Hyuk Yun, Moon-Soo Lee and Sang Mi Lee

Nutrients 2024, 16(5), 728; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16050728 - 02 Mar 2024

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The present study investigated whether the risk of recurrence after curative surgery could be further stratified by combining the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria and changes in subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) adipose tissue mass after surgery in patients with advanced [...] Read more.

The present study investigated whether the risk of recurrence after curative surgery could be further stratified by combining the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria and changes in subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) adipose tissue mass after surgery in patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). This study retrospectively analyzed 302 patients with AGC who underwent curative surgery. Based on the GLIM criteria, patients were classified into malnourished and non-malnourished groups. The cross-sectional areas of SAT and VAT were measured from preoperative and 6-month post-operative computed tomography (CT) images. Multivariate survival analyses demonstrated that GLIM-defined malnutrition (p = 0.008) and loss of VAT after surgery (p = 0.008) were independent risk factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS). Evaluation of the prognostic value of combining the two independent predictors showed that malnourished patients with a marked loss of VAT had the worst 5-year RFS rate of 35.2% (p < 0.001). Preoperative GLIM-defined malnutrition and a loss of VAT during the first 6 months after surgery were independent predictors for RFS in patients with AGC. Changes in the VAT area after surgery could further enhance the prognostic value of the GLIM criteria for predicting the risk of gastric cancer recurrence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrition: From Epidemiology to Medical Nutrition Therapy)

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11 pages, 728 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ready-to-Use Multichamber Bags in Home Parenteral Nutrition for Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Single-Center Prospective Study

by María Fernández-Argüeso, Elena Gómez-Bayona, Beatriz Ugalde, Belén Vega-Piñero, Mayra Gil-Díaz, Federico Longo, Rosario Pintor and José I. Botella-Carretero

Nutrients 2024, 16(3), 457; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16030457 - 05 Feb 2024

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Abstract

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is increasingly prescribed for patients with advanced cancer. This therapy improves free-fat mass, quality of life and survival, but it is not free from complications, especially catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). The use of commercial multichamber bags in HPN has [...] Read more.

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is increasingly prescribed for patients with advanced cancer. This therapy improves free-fat mass, quality of life and survival, but it is not free from complications, especially catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). The use of commercial multichamber bags in HPN has not been extensively explored in oncologic patients and their association with complications is not well known. In this prospective cohort study, we included 130 patients with advanced cancer and HPN. We compared the effects of individual compounded bags (n = 87) vs. commercial multichamber bags (n = 43) on complications. There were no differences in any complication, including thrombosis (p > 0.05). There were 0.28 episodes of CRBSI per 1000 catheter days in the individual compounded bag group and 0.21 in the multichamber bag group (p > 0.05). A total of 34 patients were weaned off HPN, 22 with individual bags and 12 with multichamber bags (p = 0.749). Regarding survival when on HPN, the group with individual bags showed a median of 98 days (95% CI of 49–147), whereas those with multichamber bags showed a median of 88 days (95% CI of 43–133 (p = 0.913)). In conclusion, commercial multichamber bags for HPN in patients with advanced cancer are non-inferior when compared to individual compounded bags in terms of complications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrition: From Epidemiology to Medical Nutrition Therapy)

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15 pages, 338 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Associated with the Nutritional Status of Women with Non-Metastatic Breast Cancer in a Brazilian High Complexity Oncology Center

by Roberto Júnio Gomes Silva, Wesley Rocha Grippa, Luiz Claudio Barreto Silva Neto, Oscar Geovanny Enriquez-Martinez, Júlia Anhoque Cavalcanti Marcarini, Raphael Manhães Pessanha, Fabiano Kenji Haraguchi and Luís Carlos Lopes-Júnior

Nutrients 2023, 15(23), 4961; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15234961 - 29 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1093

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer poses a significant public health concern owing to its high prevalence and the risk of mortality associated with delayed diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status of women with non-metastatic breast cancer and [...] Read more.

Background: Breast cancer poses a significant public health concern owing to its high prevalence and the risk of mortality associated with delayed diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status of women with non-metastatic breast cancer and to identify factors associated with it. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at a High Complexity Oncology Assistance Center in the southeast region of Brazil, with the aim of assessing the nutritional status in women undergoing treatment for stage I, II, or III breast cancer. Patients in palliative care or undergoing reconstructive surgery were excluded. Data collection took place between June 2022 and March 2023 and included questionnaires, physical examinations, laboratory tests, and anthropometric assessments. Nutritional status was assessed using measures such as BMI and skinfold thickness, while nutritional risk was assessed using the Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS-2002) tool. Results: Significant associations were found between nutritional risk and educational level (p = 0.03) and BMI (p = 0.01). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between educational level and nutritional risk, indicating that lower educational level was associated with higher odds of nutritional risk (OR = 4.59; 95% CI = 1.01–21.04; p = 0.049). In addition, regarding BMI, it was observed that a BMI above 20.5 kg/m² was associated with a higher likelihood of nutritional risk (OR = 0.09; 95% CI = 0.01–0.89; p = 0.039). Conclusions: It is crucial to consider the nutritional status of breast cancer patients, alongside clinical factors, to offer comprehensive and personalized care. Gaining insight into the sociodemographic variables linked to nutritional risk can significantly contribute to our understanding of breast cancer. This knowledge, in turn, can aid in identifying effective strategies for public policy, health promotion, and prevention efforts aimed at tackling this condition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrition: From Epidemiology to Medical Nutrition Therapy)

14 pages, 1149 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Caloric Restriction in Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: A Prospective Case Control Study

by Isabella Castellano, Francesco Gallo, Paola Durelli, Taira Monge, Maurizio Fadda, Jasna Metovic, Paola Cassoni, Fulvio Borella, Carlo Raucci, Monica Menischetti, Alessandra Beano, Giuseppe Migliaretti and Concetta Finocchiaro

Nutrients 2023, 15(21), 4677; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15214677 - 04 Nov 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2302

Abstract

Background and aims: It is well established that caloric restriction (CR) may influence metabolic and hormonal factors involved in cancer development and progression. Recently, several studies have demonstrated that CR may have a favorable impact on the response to systemic therapy in breast [...] Read more.

Background and aims: It is well established that caloric restriction (CR) may influence metabolic and hormonal factors involved in cancer development and progression. Recently, several studies have demonstrated that CR may have a favorable impact on the response to systemic therapy in breast cancer (BC) patients. However, there is a lack of data regarding the influence of CR during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Our study’s primary aim was to evaluate CR’s impact on BC patients undergoing NACT. Secondly, we investigated the nutritional efficacy and safety of this intervention. Methods: We performed a prospective, case–control study in two breast units. A diet group consisting of 39 patients undergoing NACT and CR was enrolled in our study at the same time. CR consisted of a 30% reduction in caloric intake, which increased to 50% on the days before, during, and after the administration of chemotherapy. A control group of 60 patients that underwent the same treatment approach only followed the general dietary recommendations for BC according to WCRF guidelines. The diet group was monitored during the study for both dietary adequacy and weight trends. Results: CR combined with NACT showed a statistically significant therapeutic response in tumor size (OR 2.94, IC 1.07–8.01, p = 0.009) and lymph node status (OR 3.22, IC 1.22–8.56, p = 0.001) compared to NACT alone, even after the adjustment for all biological parameters. Our data also showed the efficacy and safety of this intervention in both anthropometric and biochemical analyses. Conclusions: Patients who adhered to CR showed a better response to NACT, both in the breast and in the axillary lymph nodes, compared to the patients in the control group. Furthermore, the CR diet combined with NACT showed good tolerance and safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrition: From Epidemiology to Medical Nutrition Therapy)

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41 pages, 2129 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Regular Consumption of a Miraculin-Based Food Supplement on Taste Perception and Nutritional Status in Malnourished Cancer Patients: A Triple-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial-CLINMIR Pilot Protocol

by Bricia López-Plaza, Ángel Gil, Adrián Menéndez-Rey, Loan Bensadon-Naeder, Thomas Hummel, Jaime Feliú-Batlle and Samara Palma-Milla

Nutrients 2023, 15(21), 4639; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15214639 - 01 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2251

Abstract

Taste disorders are common among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, with a prevalence ranging from 20% to 86%, persisting throughout treatment. This condition leads to reduced food consumption, increasing the risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition is associated not only with worse treatment efficacy and poor [...] Read more.

Taste disorders are common among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, with a prevalence ranging from 20% to 86%, persisting throughout treatment. This condition leads to reduced food consumption, increasing the risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition is associated not only with worse treatment efficacy and poor disease prognosis but also with reduced functional status and quality of life. The fruit of Synsepalum dulcificum (Daniell), commonly known as miracle berry or miracle fruit, contains miraculin, a taste-modifying protein with profound effects on taste perception. The CLINMIR Protocol is a triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial designed to evaluate the regular consumption of a food supplement containing a miraculin-based novel food, dried miracle berry (DMB), on the taste perception (measured through electrogustometry) and nutritional status (evaluated through the GLIM Criteria) of malnourished cancer patients under active antineoplastic treatment. To this end, a pilot study was designed with 30 randomized patients divided into three study arms (150 mg DMB + 150 mg freeze-dried strawberries, 300 mg DMB, or placebo) for three months. Throughout the five main visits, an exhaustive assessment of different parameters susceptible to improvement through regular consumption of the miraculin-based food supplement will be conducted, including electrical and chemical taste perception, smell perception, nutritional and morphofunctional assessment, diet, quality of life, the fatty acid profile of erythrocytes, levels of inflammatory and cancer-associated cytokines, oxidative stress, antioxidant defense system, plasma metabolomics, and saliva and stool microbiota. The primary anticipated result is that malnourished cancer patients with taste distortion who consume the miraculin-based food supplement will report an improvement in food taste perception. This improvement translates into increased food intake, thereby ameliorating their nutritional status and mitigating associated risks. Additionally, the study aims to pinpoint the optimal dosage that provides maximal benefits. The protocol adheres to the SPIRIT 2013 Statement, which provides evidence-based recommendations and is widely endorsed as an international standard for trial protocols. The clinical trial protocol has been registered at the platform for Clinical Trials (NCT05486260). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrition: From Epidemiology to Medical Nutrition Therapy)

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15 pages, 2268 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reduced Relapse-Free Survival in Colorectal Cancer Patients with Elevated Soluble CD40 Ligand Levels Improved by Vitamin D Supplementation

by Hiroshi Fujimoto, Soichiro Fukuzato, Kazuki Kanno, Taisuke Akutsu, Hironori Ohdaira, Yutaka Suzuki and Mitsuyoshi Urashima

Nutrients 2023, 15(20), 4361; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15204361 - 13 Oct 2023

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Abstract

Although elevated serum levels of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) were reported in patients with cancer, the importance of high sCD40L levels in clinical oncology remains unknown. We conducted a post hoc analysis of the AMATERASU randomized clinical trial of vitamin D3 supplementation (2000 [...] Read more.

Although elevated serum levels of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) were reported in patients with cancer, the importance of high sCD40L levels in clinical oncology remains unknown. We conducted a post hoc analysis of the AMATERASU randomized clinical trial of vitamin D3 supplementation (2000 IU/day) in patients with digestive tract cancer to assess its significance. Serum sCD40L levels were measured by ELISA in 294 residual samples, and were divided into tertiles. In patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), 5-year relapse-free survival (RFS) rates in the middle and highest tertiles were 61.6% and 61.2%, respectively, which was significantly lower than 83.8% in the lowest tertile. A Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that the lowest tertile had a significantly lower risk of relapse or death than the highest tertile even with multivariate adjustment (hazard ratio (HR), 0.30; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.11–0.80; p = 0.016). In the subgroup of CRC patients with the highest tertile of sCD40L, the 5-year RFS rate in the vitamin D group was 77.9%, which was significantly higher than 33.2% in the placebo group (HR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.11–0.81; p = 0.018 [P_interaction = 0.04]). In conclusion, elevated sCD40L might be a biomarker of poor prognosis in patients with CRC, but vitamin D supplementation might improve RFS in patients with high sCD40L. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrition: From Epidemiology to Medical Nutrition Therapy)

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13 pages, 629 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Level of Adherence to the ESPEN Guidelines for Energy and Protein Intake Prospectively Influences Weight Loss and Nutritional Status in Patients with Cancer

by Michail Kipouros, Konstantina Vamvakari, Ioanna Panagiota Kalafati, Iliana Evangelou, Arezina N. Kasti, Rena I. Kosti and Odysseas Androutsos

Nutrients 2023, 15(19), 4232; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15194232 - 30 Sep 2023

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Abstract

Nutrition therapy aims to prevent weight loss and its health consequences in patients with cancer. The aim of this study was to assess Greek patients’ adherence to the ESPEN guidelines for oncology patients and its prospective effect on their body weight (BW) and [...] Read more.

Nutrition therapy aims to prevent weight loss and its health consequences in patients with cancer. The aim of this study was to assess Greek patients’ adherence to the ESPEN guidelines for oncology patients and its prospective effect on their body weight (BW) and nutritional status. In total, 152 patients with cancer were recruited from the Attikon University Hospital, Greece, and provided data in 2019 (baseline) and 2020 (follow-up) (drop-out rate = 28.3%). Nutritional status was assessed with the PG-SGA questionnaire. Patients were categorized based on whether they adhered at least to the minimum ESPEN-recommended intakes of energy (≥25 kcal/kg/day) or protein (≥1.0 g/kg/day) or not. On average, patients did not adhere to ESPEN guidelines for energy and protein intake. Most patients meeting the minimum recommendations had an improvement of their nutritional status at follow-up and increased their BW compared to those not meeting them. All patients with head, neck, and spinal cancer who met the minimum recommendations for energy intake improved their nutritional status at follow-up. This study showed that consuming at least the minimum amounts of protein and energy recommended by ESPEN may prevent from weight loss and improve nutritional status; however, the exact amounts need to be personalized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrition: From Epidemiology to Medical Nutrition Therapy)

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14 pages, 1688 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Standard Hypercaloric, Hyperproteic vs. Leucine-Enriched Oral Supplements in Patients with Cancer-Induced Sarcopenia, a Randomized Clinical Trial

by Aura D. Herrera-Martínez, Soraya León Idougourram, Concepción Muñoz Jiménez, Rosa Rodríguez-Alonso, Rosario Alonso Echague, Sonia Chica Palomino, Ana Sanz Sanz, Gregorio Manzano García, María Ángeles Gálvez Moreno, Alfonso Calañas Continente and María José Molina Puertas

Nutrients 2023, 15(12), 2726; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15122726 - 12 Jun 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2088

Abstract

(1) Background: Malnutrition frequently affects patients with cancer, and it negatively impacts treatment tolerance, clinical outcomes and survival. Thus, appropriate nutritional screening and early nutrition support are extremely recommended. Currently, a significant number of oral supplements (OS) are commercially available; despite this, there [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Malnutrition frequently affects patients with cancer, and it negatively impacts treatment tolerance, clinical outcomes and survival. Thus, appropriate nutritional screening and early nutrition support are extremely recommended. Currently, a significant number of oral supplements (OS) are commercially available; despite this, there is a lack of evidence for recommending specific OS, including leucine-enriched OS, for nutritional support in patients with cancer. (2) Aim: To compare the clinical evolution of patients with cancer (undergoing systemic treatment) that received standard hypercaloric, whey protein-based hyperproteic oral supplements vs. hypercaloric, hyperproteic leucine-enriched OS using a novel morphofunctional nutritional evaluation. (3) Patients and methods: This paper details an open-label, controlled clinical study in which patients were randomly assigned to receive nutritional treatment with whey protein-based hyperproteic oral supplements (control group) vs. hypercaloric, hyperproteic leucine-enriched OS (intervention group) during a twelve-week period. Forty-six patients were included; epidemiological, clinical, anthropometric, ultrasound (muscle echography of the rectus femoris muscle of the quadriceps and abdominal adipose tissue) and biochemical evaluation were performed. All patients received additional supplementation with vitamin D. (4) Results: Nutritional parameters (including bioimpedance, anthropometric, ultrasound and biochemical variables) of all included patients remained stable after the nutritional intervention. Extracellular mass tended to increase in the patients that received the leucine-enriched formula. Functionality (evaluated through the stand-up test) improved in both groups (p < 0.001). Prealbumin, transferrin levels and superficial adipose tissue increased in the control group (p < 0.05), while self-reported quality of life improved in all the evaluated patients (p < 0.001). (5) Conclusions: Nutritional support with hypercaloric, hyperproteic (with whey protein) OS and vitamin D supplementation were associated with the maintenance of body composition and improvements in functionality and in quality of life in the patients with cancer undergoing systemic treatment. No significant benefits were observed when a leucine-enriched formula was used. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrition: From Epidemiology to Medical Nutrition Therapy)

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13 pages, 1031 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sarcopenic Obesity Is a Risk Factor for Worse Oncological Long-Term Outcome in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Single-Center Cohort Study

by Peter Tschann, Markus P. Weigl, Patrick Clemens, Philipp Szeverinski, Christian Attenberger, Matthias Kowatsch, Tarkan Jäger, Klaus Emmanuel, Thomas Brock and Ingmar Königsrainer

Nutrients 2023, 15(11), 2632; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15112632 - 05 Jun 2023

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Abstract

Background: Malnutrition and skeletal muscle waste (sarcopenia) are known as predictive factors for a poor postoperative outcome. Paradoxically, obesity seems to be associated with a survival advantage in wasting diseases such as cancer. Thus, the interpretation of body composition indices and their impact [...] Read more.

Background: Malnutrition and skeletal muscle waste (sarcopenia) are known as predictive factors for a poor postoperative outcome. Paradoxically, obesity seems to be associated with a survival advantage in wasting diseases such as cancer. Thus, the interpretation of body composition indices and their impact on rectal cancer therapy has become more and more complex. The aim of this study was to evaluate body composition indices in locally advanced rectal cancer patients prior to therapy and their impact on short- and long-term outcomes. Methods: Between 2008 and 2018, 96 patients were included in this study. Pre-therapeutic CT scans were used to evaluate visceral and subcutaneous fat mass, as well as muscle mass. Body composition indices were compared to body mass index, morbidity, anastomotic leakage rate, local recurrency rate, and oncological long-term outcomes. Results: Increased visceral fat (p < 0.01), subcutaneous fat (p < 0.01), and total fat mass (p = 0.001) were associated with overweight. Skeletal muscle waste (sarcopenia) (p = 0.045), age (p = 0.004), comorbidities (p < 0.01), and sarcopenic obesity (p = 0.02) were significantly associated with increased overall morbidity. The anastomotic leakage rate was significantly influenced when comorbidities were present (p = 0.006). Patients with sarcopenic obesity showed significantly worse disease-free (p = 0.04) and overall survival (p = 0.0019). The local recurrency rate was not influenced by body composition indices. Conclusion: Muscle waste, older age, and comorbidities were demonstrated as strong risk factors for increased overall morbidity. Sarcopenic obesity was associated with worse DFS and OS. This study underlines the role of nutrition and appropriate physical activity prior to therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrition: From Epidemiology to Medical Nutrition Therapy)

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12 pages, 282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Qualitative Study on the Factors Influencing the Utilisation of Products Labelled “Food for Special Medicinal Use” (FSMP)

by Marius Calin Chereches, Hajnal Finta, Cristian Olimpiu Popa, Daniela Stefanescu and Daniela-Lucia Muntean

Nutrients 2023, 15(11), 2582; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15112582 - 31 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1461

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate Romanian physicians’ awareness, recommendation practices, and opinions regarding the use of Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMPs) products. A total of ten physicians were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, and their responses were analysed using thematic content analysis. [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate Romanian physicians’ awareness, recommendation practices, and opinions regarding the use of Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMPs) products. A total of ten physicians were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, and their responses were analysed using thematic content analysis. The study found that physicians were aware of FSMPs and recommended them to their patients based on nutritional deficits, weight loss, or deglutition impairments. In addition, disease stage, treatment scheme, taste, affordability, and availability were identified as factors influencing the recommendation and use of FSMPs. While physicians generally did not consult clinical trials, clinical experience was deemed essential for recommending FSMPs to patients. Patients’ feedback regarding the usage and sourcing of FSMPs was generally positive, with some expressing concerns about the availability of different flavours and the costs of purchasing the products. This study concluded that physicians play a vital role in recommending FSMPs to patients and ensuring they have the necessary nutritional support during treatment. However, it may be imperative to consider the provision of additional patient education materials and fostering collaborative efforts with nutritionists in order to optimise the prospects of positive outcomes in oncology treatment, while simultaneously alleviating the financial burdens faced by patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrition: From Epidemiology to Medical Nutrition Therapy)

13 pages, 1284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Yoghurt Intake and Gastric Cancer: A Pooled Analysis of 16 Studies of the StoP Consortium

by Giulia Collatuzzo, Eva Negri, Claudio Pelucchi, Rossella Bonzi, Federica Turati, Charles S. Rabkin, Linda M. Liao, Rashmi Sinha, Domenico Palli, Monica Ferraroni, Lizbeth López-Carrillo, Nuno Lunet, Samantha Morais, Demetrius Albanes, Stephanie J. Weinstein, Dominick Parisi, David Zaridze, Dmitry Maximovitch, Trinidad Dierssen-Sotos, José Juan Jiménez-Moleón, Jesus Vioque, Manoli Garcia de la Hera, Maria Paula Curado, Emmanuel Dias-Neto, Raúl Ulises Hernández-Ramírez, Malaquias López-Cervantes, Mary H. Ward, Shoichiro Tsugane, Akihisa Hidaka, Areti Lagiou, Pagona Lagiou, Zuo-Feng Zhang, Antonia Trichopoulou, Anna Karakatsani, Maria Constanza Camargo, Carlo La Vecchia and Paolo Boffetta Show full author list Hide full author list

Nutrients 2023, 15(8), 1877; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15081877 - 13 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2408

Abstract

Background: Yoghurt can modify gastrointestinal disease risk, possibly acting on gut microbiota. Our study aimed at exploring the under-investigated association between yoghurt and gastric cancer (GC). Methods: We pooled data from 16 studies from the Stomach Cancer Pooling (StoP) Project. Total yoghurt intake [...] Read more.

Background: Yoghurt can modify gastrointestinal disease risk, possibly acting on gut microbiota. Our study aimed at exploring the under-investigated association between yoghurt and gastric cancer (GC). Methods: We pooled data from 16 studies from the Stomach Cancer Pooling (StoP) Project. Total yoghurt intake was derived from food frequency questionnaires. We calculated study-specific odds ratios (ORs) of GC and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for increasing categories of yoghurt consumption using univariate and multivariable unconditional logistic regression models. A two-stage analysis, with a meta-analysis of the pooled adjusted data, was conducted. Results: The analysis included 6278 GC cases and 14,181 controls, including 1179 cardia and 3463 non-cardia, 1191 diffuse and 1717 intestinal cases. The overall meta-analysis revealed no association between increasing portions of yoghurt intake (continuous) and GC (OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.94–1.02). When restricting to cohort studies, a borderline inverse relationship was found (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.88–0.99). The adjusted and unadjusted OR were 0.92 (95% CI = 0.85–0.99) and 0.78 (95% CI = 0.73–0.84) for any vs. no yoghurt consumption and GC risk. The OR for 1 category of increase in yoghurt intake was 0.96 (95% CI = 0.91–1.02) for cardia, 1.03 (95% CI = 1.00–1.07) for non-cardia, 1.12 (95% CI = 1.07–1.19) for diffuse and 1.02 (95% CI = 0.97–1.06) for intestinal GC. No effect was seen within hospital-based and population-based studies, nor in men or women. Conclusions: We found no association between yoghurt and GC in the main adjusted models, despite sensitivity analyses suggesting a protective effect. Additional studies should further address this association. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrition: From Epidemiology to Medical Nutrition Therapy)

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Review

Jump to: Research

17 pages, 682 KiB

Open AccessReview

Managing the Risk of Foodborne Infections in Pediatric Patients with Cancer: Is the Neutropenic Diet Still an Option?

by Laura Pedretti, Davide Leardini, Edoardo Muratore, Gaia Capoferri, Serena Massa, Sofia Rahman, Susanna Esposito and Riccardo Masetti

Nutrients 2024, 16(7), 966; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16070966 - 27 Mar 2024

Viewed by 655

Abstract

Infections pose a significant threat to morbidity and mortality during treatments for pediatric cancer patients. Efforts to minimize the risk of infection necessitate preventive measures encompassing both environmental and host-focused strategies. While a substantial number of infections in oncologic patients originate from microorganisms [...] Read more.

Infections pose a significant threat to morbidity and mortality during treatments for pediatric cancer patients. Efforts to minimize the risk of infection necessitate preventive measures encompassing both environmental and host-focused strategies. While a substantial number of infections in oncologic patients originate from microorganisms within their native microbiological environment, such as the oral cavity, intestines, and skin, the concrete risk of bloodstream infections linked to the consumption of contaminated food and beverages in the community cannot be overlooked. Ensuring food quality and hygiene is essential to mitigating the impact of foodborne illnesses on vulnerable patients. The neutropenic diet (ND) has been proposed to minimize the risk of sepsis during neutropenic periods. The ND aims to minimize bacterial entry into the gut and bacterial translocation. However, a standardized definition for ND and consensus guidelines for specific food exclusions are lacking. Most centers adopt ND during neutropenic phases, but challenges in achieving caloric intake are common. The ND has not demonstrated any associated benefits and does not ensure improved overall survival. Consequently, providing unified and standardized food safety instructions is imperative for pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Despite the lack of evidence, ND is still widely administered to both pediatric and adult patients as a precautionary measure. This narrative review focuses on the impact of foodborne infections in pediatric cancer patients and the role of the ND in comparison to food safety practices in patients undergoing chemotherapy or HCT. Prioritizing education regarding proper food storage, preparation, and cooking techniques proves more advantageous than merely focusing on dietary limitations. The absence of standardized guidelines underscores the necessity for further research in this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrition: From Epidemiology to Medical Nutrition Therapy)

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15 pages, 450 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Narrative Review Comparing Nutritional Screening Tools in Outpatient Management of Cancer Patients

by Delia Gil-Andrés and Luis Cabañas-Alite

Nutrients 2024, 16(5), 752; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16050752 - 06 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1213

Abstract

Malnutrition during cancer has a negative impact on prognosis and quality of life. Therefore, it is important to identify those patients at higher nutritional risk to prevent its development. There are nutritional screening tools, such as MUST and NRS-2002, that focus on the [...] Read more.

Malnutrition during cancer has a negative impact on prognosis and quality of life. Therefore, it is important to identify those patients at higher nutritional risk to prevent its development. There are nutritional screening tools, such as MUST and NRS-2002, that focus on the patient on admission to hospital. However, most patients will develop malnutrition in the outpatient or ambulatory setting. This study aims to determine which nutritional screening tool is most effective in assessing nutritional risk in the outpatient oncology patient, highlighting the parameters analysed by these tools. Seventeen articles were reviewed, with the most important variables being tumour location, tumour stage, age, and gender, as well as recent weight loss, dietary intake, and digestive disorders. The Nutriscore, NRS-2002, and MUST tools are considered suitable, but the choice varies depending on these parameters. MNA is suitable for elderly patients, while SNAQ was not considered reliable in this population. In conclusion, MUST, NRS-2002, and Nutriscore are suitable tools, but their choice depends on specific characteristics. There is currently no universal tool for nutritional risk assessment in outpatients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrition: From Epidemiology to Medical Nutrition Therapy)

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29 pages, 967 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) for the Assessment of Body Composition in Oncology: A Scoping Review

by Mariana Garcia Branco, Carlota Mateus, Manuel Luís Capelas, Nuno Pimenta, Teresa Santos, Antti Mäkitie, Susana Ganhão-Arranhado, Carolina Trabulo and Paula Ravasco

Nutrients 2023, 15(22), 4792; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15224792 - 15 Nov 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2353

Abstract

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a reliable, non-invasive, objective, and cost-effective body composition assessment method, with high reproducibility. This scoping review aims to evaluate the current scientific and clinical evidence on BIA for body composition assessment in oncology patients, under active treatment. Literature [...] Read more.

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a reliable, non-invasive, objective, and cost-effective body composition assessment method, with high reproducibility. This scoping review aims to evaluate the current scientific and clinical evidence on BIA for body composition assessment in oncology patients, under active treatment. Literature search was conducted through MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science databases, following PRISMA-ScR Guidelines. Inclusion criteria comprised studies reporting the use of BIA for body composition evaluation in adults with cancer diagnosis. Studies including non-cancer pathology or only assessing nutritional status were excluded. This scoping review comprised a total of 36 studies: 25 were original studies including 18 prospective studies, six cross-sectional studies and one retrospective study and 11 were systematic reviews. Population size for the included original articles ranged from 18 to 1217 participants, comprising a total of 3015 patients with cancer with a mean baseline Body Mass Index (BMI) ranging from 20.3 to 30.0 kg/m² and mean age ranging between 47 and 70 years. Review articles included a total of 273 studies, with a total of 78,350 participants. The current review considered studies reporting patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) (n = 8), breast cancer (BC) (n = 4), esophageal cancer (EC) (n = 2), liver cancer (n = 2), pancreatic cancer (PC) (n = 3), gastric cancer (GC) (n = 3), colorectal cancer (CRC) (n = 8), lung cancer (LC) (n = 1), skin cancer (SK) (n = 1) and multiple cancer types (n = 6). BIA is a suitable and valid method for the assessment of body composition in oncology. BIA-derived measures have shown good potential and relevant clinical value in preoperative risk evaluation, in the reduction of postoperative complications and hospital stay and as an important prognostic indicator in persons with cancer. Future research on the diagnostic value and clinical applications of BIA and BIA-derived phase angle (PhA) should be conducted in order to predict its impact on patient survival and other clinical outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrition: From Epidemiology to Medical Nutrition Therapy)

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Open AccessReview

Synbiotics as Supplemental Therapy for the Alleviation of Chemotherapy-Associated Symptoms in Patients with Solid Tumours

by Neeraj K. Singh, Jeffrey M. Beckett, Krishnakumar Kalpurath, Muhammad Ishaq, Tauseef Ahmad and Rajaraman D. Eri

Nutrients 2023, 15(7), 1759; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071759 - 04 Apr 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3134

Abstract

Chemotherapy is still the first line of treatment for most cancer patients. Patients receiving chemotherapy are generally prone to infections, which result in complications, such as sepsis, mucositis, colitis, and diarrhoea. Several nutritional approaches have been trialled to counter the chemotherapy-associated side effects [...] Read more.

Chemotherapy is still the first line of treatment for most cancer patients. Patients receiving chemotherapy are generally prone to infections, which result in complications, such as sepsis, mucositis, colitis, and diarrhoea. Several nutritional approaches have been trialled to counter the chemotherapy-associated side effects in cancer patients, but none have yet been approved for routine clinical use. One of the approaches to reduce or avoid chemotherapy-associated complications is to restore the gut microbiota. Gut microbiota is essential for the healthy functioning of the immune system, metabolism, and the regulation of other molecular responses in the body. Chemotherapy erodes the mucosal layer of the gastrointestinal tract and results in the loss of gut microbiota. One of the ways to restore the gut microbiota is through the use of probiotics. Probiotics are the ‘good’ bacteria that may provide health benefits if consumed in appropriate amounts. Some studies have highlighted that the consumption of probiotics in combination with prebiotics, known as synbiotics, may provide better health benefits when compared to probiotics alone. This review discusses the different nutritional approaches that have been studied in an attempt to combat chemotherapy-associated side effects in cancer patients with a particular focus on the use of pre-, pro- and synbiotics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer and Nutrition: From Epidemiology to Medical Nutrition Therapy)

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