MedPath

Preserving Physical Function in Older Adults With Cancer: Impact of an Optimizing Nutrition Intervention Applied Before and After Surgery

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Cancer
Interventions
Behavioral: Nutrition and Exercise Counseling
Behavioral: Structured perioperative nutrition and exercise
Registration Number
NCT05912257
Lead Sponsor
VA Office of Research and Development
Brief Summary

In this pragmatic clinical trial, the investigators will study older Veterans approaching surgery for gastrointestinal or genitourinary cancer who are at high risk for a marked decline in their physical function. The investigators will test a multi-targeted nutrition regimen high in protein and other key nutrients and including resistance exercise, administered 8 weeks prior to surgery and for 24 weeks after discharge from surgery, with the goal of protecting physical function and improving physiologic, metabolic, and patient-centered outcomes. The findings of this study will promote a better intervention to compensate for the high nutritional demands of cancer and its treatment and lead to stronger, more rapid physical recoveries and better quality of life for older adults with moderate to advanced cancer-a group that has rarely been included in long-term nutrition studies. In addition to providing direct benefits to Veterans, the study may also benefit the VA by decreasing demands on the health care system via hastening the recovery of physical function.

Detailed Description

The overall objective of this study is to administer the nutrition optimization of senior health (NOSH) intervention in biphasic intervals and compare it to a typically recommended nutrition regimen (Typical Regimen) for (1) physical function, (2) physiologic and metabolic outcomes; and (3) Veteran-centered outcomes. The central hypothesis is that NOSH will improve physical function. The investigators also predict improvements in physiologic, metabolic and Veteran-centered outcomes. The investigators seek an optimal intervention to alleviate symptom burden and improve function, health, and QoL for older cancer survivors, and the long-term goal is to confirm and implement this intervention. The primary aim is to evaluate the efficacy of a multi-targeted NOSH intervention on physical function. Based on preliminary data, the investigators' working hypothesis is that the NOSH intervention will result in improved physical function before surgery and after surgery relative to the (Typical Regimen).

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
188
Inclusion Criteria
  • Male and Female Veterans
  • Stage II, III cancer of the bladder, colon, kidney, liver, pancreas, stomach or rectum
  • Surgery 6 weeks from consent
  • Age > 60 years
  • Age-normal renal function
  • English speaking
  • Able to record dietary intake or has a proxy who can record dietary intake
  • Willing and able to be randomized to either intervention group
Exclusion Criteria
  • Stage I or IV cancer diagnosis
  • Glomerular filtration rates (GFR) less than 45 mL/min
  • Neurological conditions causing functional impairments, including Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and permanent disability due to stroke
  • Class III-IV congestive heart failure
  • Refractory cachexia - medical condition that affects ability to increase muscle mass (e.g., cachexia) defined as 10% weight loss in 10 months, 5% weight loss in 6 months or 2% weight loss over any period plus body mass index 20 kg/m2 AND Life expectancy 9 months
  • Active treatment for another cancer site
  • Body weight >450 lbs
  • Uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c 9%)
  • Recent diagnosis of thyroid disease or untreated thyroid disease
  • Inability to complete physical function assessment
  • Severe dietary restrictions
  • On chemotherapy drug Sorafenib

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Typical RegimenNutrition and Exercise CounselingTypical Regimen Arm
NOSHStructured perioperative nutrition and exerciseMulti-Targeted NOSH + Exercise (NOSH Regimen) Arm
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
6-Minute Walk Changebaseline, within 24 hours before surgery, 30-days post-op, 12-weeks following post-op visit, 24 weeks following post-op visit

Distance walked in 6 minute.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Short Physical Performance Batter (SPPB) Scorebaseline, within 24 hours before surgery, 30-days post-op, 12-weeks following post-op visit, 24 weeks following post-op visit

SPPB score ranges from 0-12 with 12 being higher function. It assesses balance (side-by-side, semi- and tandem), gait speed (4-m walk), and lower-extremity strength (chair stands).

Health-related QoL (QLQ-C30)baseline, within 24 hours before surgery, 30-days post-op, 12-weeks following post-op visit, 24 weeks following post-op visit

QLQ-C30 is a patient reported outcome measure designed to assess the functional health (physical, role, emotional, social, cognitive), symptom burden (fatigue, pain, nausea/vomiting, appetite loss, constipation, diarrhea, insomnia, dyspnea), and health-related quality of life of adults with cancer. Raw scores are transformed to a 0-100 scale, with a higher score representing better functioning/quality of life and greater symptom burden.

Patient Generated-Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA)baseline, within 24 hours before surgery, 30-days post-op, 12-weeks following post-op visit, 24 weeks following post-op visit

PG-SGA is a hands-on assessment of weight, muscle and fat mass, food intake, and nutrition impact symptoms117 using a global rating nutritional diagnosis (A=well nourished, B = moderate/suspected malnutrition, or C=severely malnourished) and a continuous numerical score (1 to 30 - with higher scores representing greater nutritional risk) for intervention triage. The continuous numerical score allows for comparison of changes in nutritional status over short duration of time.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC

🇺🇸

Durham, North Carolina, United States

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath