Inflammation and Weight Loss in Gastro-Oesophageal Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Deans D A C, Tan B H, Wigmore S J, Ross J A, de Beaux A C, Paterson-Brown S, Fearon K C H
Primary Institution: University Department of Surgery, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK
Hypothesis
What is the influence of systemic inflammation, dietary intake, and stage of disease on weight loss in patients with gastro-oesophageal cancer?
Conclusion
Weight loss in patients with gastro-oesophageal cancer is significantly associated with systemic inflammation, reduced dietary intake, and advanced disease stage.
Supporting Evidence
- 83% of patients had lost weight at diagnosis.
- Weight loss was associated with poor performance status and advanced disease stage.
- Multiple regression identified dietary intake, serum CRP concentrations, and stage of disease as independent variables affecting weight loss.
Takeaway
Many people with stomach or esophagus cancer lose weight because of inflammation and not just because they eat less or have trouble swallowing.
Methodology
Patients underwent nutritional assessments, including BMI calculation, weight loss measurement, dysphagia scoring, and dietary intake estimation, along with serum acute-phase protein concentration determination.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported dietary intake and weight loss.
Limitations
The study relied on patient recall for pre-morbid weight, which may introduce error.
Participant Demographics
220 patients diagnosed with gastric/oesophageal cancer, 66% male, median age 71 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% confidence interval 0.65–0.79
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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