This interventional prospective randomized controlled study was conducted to compare the effects of high-protein oral nutritional supplement (ONS) and medical nutritional therapy to medical nutrition therapy alone on nutritional status, quality of life, and physical function capacity after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients aged 65 and over with newly diagnosed locally advanced gastric cancer.
This study is a prospective, randomized controlled trial conducted from February 2023 to February 2024, focusing on the effects of high-protein oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) in older patients (aged 65 and over) with newly diagnosed locally advanced gastric cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Study Design: The trial involved two groups: Intervention group (ONS group) - Received ONS in addition to standard medical nutrition therapy. Control group (non-ONS group) - Received only standard medical nutrition therapy without ONS supplementation. Participants were randomized using computer-aided randomization, with 28 patients in each group. After excluding patients based on specific criteria (e.g., discontinuation of chemotherapy, refusal to consume ONS, or non-compliance with nutrition therapy), 23 patients remained in each group, totaling 46 patients for final analysis. Patients in the ONS group received a high-protein supplement containing 18.8 g of protein, 7 g of fat, 28 g of carbohydrates, and 250 calories per 200 mL. Both groups received personalized medical nutrition therapy based on their nutritional needs, calculated as 30 kcal/kg/day of energy and 1.5 g/kg/day of protein. Data Collection and Monitoring: Data was collected at three key time points: Baseline (Week 0): Assessments included anthropometric measurements, handgrip strength, food intake records, nutritional status evaluation (Mini Nutritional Assessment), biochemical markers, quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30), functional status (ADL and IADL), and comorbidity index (Charlson Comorbidity Index). Mid-Intervention (Week 4): Food intake, MNA, and ONS adherence were re-assessed, with the ONS follow-up form and new anthropometric data collected. Post-Intervention (Week 8): Final assessments covered all previously mentioned parameters (anthropometry, handgrip strength, MNA, biochemical data, ADL, IADL, EORTC QLQ-C30), alongside an evaluation of compliance and ONS consumption. Statistical Analysis: The primary outcome measures were changes in nutritional status, physical function (handgrip strength, ADL, IADL), and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) between baseline and week 8. Secondary outcomes included body composition changes (measured by BIA), adverse events (CTCAE v5.0), and dietary intake analysis using BEBIS software. The intervention's impact was evaluated by comparing pre- and post-intervention changes between the two groups.
The ONS group received a high-protein ONS providing 18.8 g of protein, 7 g of fat, 28 g of carbohydrates, and 250 calories of energy per 200 mL and medical nutrition therapy. The product is gluten-free and contains lactose, minerals, trace elements, and vitamins . The Control group received only standard nutrition therapy without ONS supplementation.
Erzincan Binali Yıldırım Üniversitesi Mengücek Gazi Eğitim ve Araştırma. Hastanesi
Erzincan, Merkez, Turkey (Türkiye)
Change in Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) score
Unit of Measure: MNA score (Units on a Scale). This will measure changes in nutritional status using the MNA scoring system, which ranges from 0 to 30. A higher score indicates better nutritional status (24-30: normal nutritional status, 17-23.5: at risk of malnutrition, \<17: malnourished).
Time frame: Baseline and 8 Weeks
Change in Handgrip Strength
Unit of Measure: Kilograms (kg). Measured with a hand dynamometer, the average handgrip strength (kg) will be calculated based on three measurements of the dominant hand.
Time frame: Baseline and 8 Weeks
Change in EORTC QLQ-C30 (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire - Core 30) score
Unit of Measure: QLQ-C30 score (Units on a Scale). The EORTC QLQ-C30 evaluates quality of life across multiple domains, including physical, emotional, and social functioning. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better quality of life in functioning scales but worse symptoms when higher scores are in symptom scales.
Time frame: Baseline and 8 Weeks
Change in 'Activities of Daily Living' (ADL) Score
Unit of Measure: ADL score (Units on a Scale). The ADL scale assesses the patient's ability to perform basic daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding. Scores range from 0 to 6, with higher scores indicating better physical function and independence.
Time frame: Baseline and 8 Weeks
Change in 'Instrumental Activities of Daily Living' (IADL) Score
Unit of Measure: IADL score (Units on a Scale). The IADL scale evaluates the patient's ability to perform more complex daily tasks, such as managing finances and using transportation. Scores range from 0 to 8, with higher scores reflecting better functional independence.
Time frame: Baseline and 8 Weeks
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Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
46
Change in Body Weight
Unit of Measure: Kilograms (kg). Body weight will be recorded in kilograms and tracked over time.
Time frame: Baseline and 8 Weeks
Change in Body Mass Index (BMI)
Unit of Measure: kg/m². BMI will be calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.
Time frame: Baseline and 8 Weeks
Change in Mid-Upper Arm Circumference
Unit of Measure: Centimeters (cm). This anthropometric measurement will be taken with a non-stretchable tape measure.
Time frame: Baseline and 8 Weeks
Change in Calf Circumference
Unit of Measure: Centimeters (cm). Calf circumference will also be measured with a tape measure and recorded in centimeters.
Time frame: Baseline and 8 Weeks
Changes in Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)
Unit of Measure: Percentage (%). BIA will be used to assess body composition, such as body fat percentage and lean mass percentage.
Time frame: Baseline and 8 Weeks