Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy versus nasogastric tube feeding for patients with head and neck cancer: a systematic review

There are two main enteral feeding strategies—namely nasogastric (NG) tube feeding and percutaneous gastrostomy—used to improve the nutritional status of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). But up till now there has been no consistent evidence about which method of enteral feeding is the optimal method for this patient group. To compare the effectiveness of percutaneous gastrostomy and NGT feeding in patients with HNC, relevant literature was identified through Medline, Embase, Pubmed, Cochrane, Wiley and manual searches. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-experimental studies comparing percutaneous gastrostomy—including percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and percutaneous fluoroscopic gastrostomy (PFG) —with NG for HNC patients. Data extraction recorded characteristics of intervention, type of study and factors that contributed to the methodological quality of the individual studies. Data were then compared with respect to nutritional status, duration of feeding, complications, radiotherapy delays, disease-free survival and overall survival. Methodological quality of RCTs and non-experimental studies were assessed with separate standard grading scales. It became apparent from our studies that both feeding strategies have advantages and disadvantages.     

Prophylactic percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement in treatment of head and neck cancer: a comprehensive review and call for evidence-based medicine

Background: Patients with head and neck cancers (HNCs) are at increased risk of experiencing malnutrition, which is associated with poor outcomes. Advances in the treatment of HNCs have resulted in improved outcomes that are associated with severe toxic oral side effects, placing patients at an even greater risk of malnutrition. Prophylactic placement of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes before treatment may be beneficial in patients with HNC, especially those undergoing more intense treatment regimens. PEG tube placement, however, is not without risks. Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted. Results: Systematic evidence assessing both the benefits and harm associated with prophylactic PEG tube placement in patients undergoing treatment for HNC is weak, and benefits and harm have not been established. Conclusions: More research is necessary to inform physician behavior on whether prophylactic PEG tube placement is warranted in the treatment of HNC.     

Postoperative enteral immunonutrition in head and neck cancer patients

AIMS: to determine if postoperative feeding of head and neck cancer patients, using an enteral diet supplemented with arginine, improves immunological and nutritional status, and clinical outcome, i.e., reduces postoperative infectious/wound complications and length of stay, when compared with an isocaloric, isonitrogenous control diet. METHODS: at operation 44 patients were randomized into two groups to receive: a) an enriched diet (n=23);b) an isocaloric, isonitrogenous control diet (n=21). Thirteen patients with a history of significant weight loss (> or = 10% over the last 6 months) were considered malnourished. Preoperatively and on postoperative days 1, 4 and 8 the following parameters were evaluated: albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, total number of lymphocytes, lymphocyte subsets (CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD4/CD8 ratio) and immunoglobulins. Postoperative complications and length of stay were recorded. RESULTS: 'visceral' serum proteins and immunological parameters decreased on postoperative day 1 in both groups. However, only the enriched group demonstrated a significant increase (P<0.05) in the total number of lymphocytes, CD4, CD4/CD8 on postoperative day 4, and total number of lymphocytes, CD3, CD4, CD4/CD8 on postoperative day 8. In the malnourished subgroup the administration of the enriched formula significantly reduced both postoperative infectious/wound complications and length of stay compared with the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: enteral immunonutrition of head and neck cancer patients improves postoperative immunological response. Significant clinical advantages were observed in malnourished patients.     

Home enteral tube feeding in children following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: perceptions of parents, paediatric dietitians and paediatric nurses

BACKGROUND: The perceptions of parents and professionals are important in deciding to feed children by gastrostomy, yet there are few published studies in this field. This study explored and compared the perceptions of parents to those of paediatric outreach nurses and paediatric dietitians. METHODS: A cross-sectional mixed-method study with purposive sampling was undertaken using structured interviews and questionnaires to explore perceptions of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement and feeding. Binomial regression was used to investigate differences in perceptions across the groups of participants. RESULTS: Parents, paediatric outreach nurses and dietitians shared similar perceptions regarding success of feeding, support for gastrostomy reinsertion and the acceptability of the child's quality of life. Much greater differences in perceptions were evident regarding the parents' involvement in the decision-making process for PEG placement and the adequacy of the support received from healthcare professionals. CONCLUSIONS: A high level of support for feeding was demonstrated together with strong perceptions across all groups that feeding was successful. It is important for healthcare professionals to consider the perceptions of the parents throughout decision making and provision of care following PEG placement because it is highly likely there will be differences in the perceptions between parents and healthcare professionals.     

Different experiences and perspectives between head and neck cancer patients and their care‐givers on their daily impact of a gastrostomy tube

Background: Gastrostomy feeding in head and neck cancer patients is recognised standard practice in some cancer centres with beneficial effects on outcomes for appropriately selected patients. However, the impact on patients and care‐givers needs consideration. The present study aimed to understand the daily impact of gastrostomy feeding on head and neck cancer patients and their care‐givers to identify improvements to services. Methods: Twenty‐one adult patients were randomly selected from the Head and Neck centre at University College London Hospital. Six head and neck cancer patients and three care‐givers participated in focus groups. The sessions were recorded, fully transcribed and qualitatively thematically analysed, and the resulting data were tabulated. Results: Patients and care‐givers expressed opposite experiences within knowledge and understanding of why the tube was necessary; their personal perceptions and objectives of nutritional support. Themes expressing similar experiences included: developing positive coping strategies; preventing nutritional decline; tube dependency; dentures; finance; active care; and psychological support. Furthermore, both groups expressed the benefits of retaining a support network for rehabilitation with the hospital‐based specialist team. Also patients and carers recognised that the gastrostomy tube helped patient survival and, with timely dietetic management, helped them wean off the tube reliance with more confidence. Conclusions: It is essential that patients and care‐givers attend pretreatment clinics to discuss nutritional support via the artificial route; their quality of life can be enhanced if guided through a specialist support pathway based at the clinical site where they initiated their care, with links to key agencies.     

PEJ和鼻肠管置管在晚期上消化道恶性肿瘤病人家庭肠内营养的应用

目的:探讨经皮内镜下胃造口空肠置管术(PEJ)和鼻肠管置管在晚期上消化道恶性肿瘤病人家庭肠内营养(HEN)的应用效果. 方法:回顾分析2009年1月至2013年1月,我科收治的未接受剖腹手术的105例病人,其中48例接受PEJ,57例鼻肠管置管晚期上消化道恶性肿瘤病人开展HEN情况,病人每2个月到我科或电话随访1次,直至出院后6个月或病人死亡.比较两种置管方式在HEN中的应用、并发症发生率和病死率等情况.结果:病人出院后6个月内,PEJ组EN支持率明显高于鼻肠管组(95.8％ vs 78.9％,P＜0.05).PEJ组的EN相关并发症发生率明显低于鼻肠管组(22.9％ vs 45.6％,P＜0.05).PEJ组的管道相关并发症发生率明显低于鼻肠管组(6.3％ vs 21.1％,P＜0.01).而出院后2、4和6个月时两组病人的功能状态评分和病死率均无显著性差异(P＞0.05). 结论:PEJ是晚期上消化道恶性肿瘤病人开展HEN的有效途径.     

Phase I study of oral S-1 and concurrent radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer

This study investigated the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of S-1 with concurrent radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer, based on the frequency of dose-limiting toxicities (DLT). S-1 was administered orally at escalating doses from 40 mg/m² b.i.d. on the days of delivering radiotherapy, which was given at a total dose of 64–70 Gy in 32–35 fractions over 6–7 weeks. A total of 12 patients (3 patients at 40 mg/m², 6 patients at 60 mg/m², and 3 patients at 80 mg/m²) were enrolled in this trial. At the dose of 80 mg/m², two of the three patients developed DLT (Grade 3 anorexia and rhabdomyolysis) due to S-1, so the MTD was determined to be 80 mg/m². Among the 12 enrolled patients, 9 (75%) showed a complete response and 3 (25%) showed a partial response. The overall response rate was 100%. The recommended dose of S-1 with concurrent radiotherapy is 60 mg/m².     

A prospective comparison of the use of nasogastric and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes for long-term enteral feeding in older people

OBJECTIVE: To compare the indications for and the outcome of long-term enteral feeding by nasogastric tube (NGT) with that of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube. DESIGN: A prospective, multicenter cohort study. SETTING: Acute geriatric units and long-term care (LTC) hospitals in Jerusalem, Israel. PARTICIPANTS: 122 chronic patients aged 65 years and older for whom long-term enteral feeding was indicated as determined by the treating physician. Patients with acute medical conditions at the time of tube placement were excluded. MEASUREMENTS: We examined the indications for enteral feeding, nutritional status, outcome and complications in all subjects. Subjects were followed for a minimum period of six months. RESULTS: Although the PEG patients were older and had a higher incidence of dementia, there was an improved survival in those patients with PEG as compared to NGT (hazard ratio (HR)=0.41; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22-0.76; P=0.01). Also, the patients with PEG had a lower rate of aspiration (HR=0.48; 95% CI 0.26-0.89) and self-extubation (HR=0.17; 95% CI 0.05-0.58) than those with NGT. Apart from a significant improvement in the serum albumin level at the 4-week follow-up assessment in the patients with PEG compared to those with NGT (adjusted mean 3.35 compared to 3.08; F=4.982), nutritional status was otherwise similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: In long-term enteral feeding, in a selected group of non-acute patients, the use of PEG was associated with improved survival, was better tolerated by the patient and was associated with a lower incidence of aspiration. A randomized controlled study is needed to determine whether PEG is truly superior to NGT.     

Audit of nutritional guidelines for head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer patients being treated with radiotherapy are at an increased risk of malnutrition due to the severe side-effects, e.g. mucositis, odynophagia and xerostomia, impacting on the ability to eat and drink. Effective dietetic management involves identifying those patients malnourished or at risk of becoming so and incorporating nutritional intervention into their treatment plan. The use of gastrostomy tubes in this patient group has been shown to be acceptable. By placing them prophylactically, the aim is to prevent a disruption to treatment and avoid an unnecessary admission for feeding. This audit was carried out to determine whether the implementation of locally produced nutritional guidelines improved the dietetic management of this patient group. METHOD: A prospective audit tool was used to collect data on 32 head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Data was collected weekly during the course of treatment and compared with data from previous audits. Weight change was the nutritional outcome measured. RESULTS: More patients underwent combined treatment (radiotherapy postoperatively or with concurrent weekly chemotherapy) when compared with previous audits. However, implementation of the guidelines appeared to contribute to an improvement in dietetic management, as fewer patients lost weight over the course of radiotherapy and there were no admissions for feeding. The presence of a dietitian at the multidisciplinary head and neck clinic improved access and communication and this is also likely to have contributed to the improved management. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the guidelines led to an improvement in the nutritional management of this patient group. Implementation may be more likely if a dietitian is present at the combined head and neck clinic.     

Initial experience of radiotherapy plus cetuximab for Japanese head and neck cancer patients

In Japan, cetuximab with concurrent bioradiotherapy (BRT) for squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN) was approved in December 2012. We herein report our initial experience of BRT, with special emphasis on acute toxicities of this combination therapy. Thirty-one non-metastatic SCCHN patients who underwent BRT using cetuximab between July 2013 and June 2014 were retrospectively evaluated. All patients received cetuximab with a loading dose of 400 mg/m² one week before the start of radiotherapy, followed by 250 mg/m² per week during radiotherapy. The median cycle of cetuximab was seven cycles and the median dose of radiotherapy was 70 Gy. Twenty-five patients (80.6%) accomplished planned radiotherapy and six cycles or more cetuximab administration. Six patients (19.4%) discontinued cetuximab. Grade 3 dermatitis, mucositis and infusion reaction occurred in 19.4%, 48.3% and 3.2%, respectively. One patient experienced Grade 3 gastrointestinal bleeding caused by diverticular hemorrhage during BRT. Grade 3 drug-induced pneumonitis occurred in two patients. The response rate was 74%, including 55% with a complete response. BRT using cetuximab for Japanese patients with SCCHN was feasible as an alternative for cisplatin-based concurrent chemoradiation, although longer follow-up is necessary to evaluate late toxicities.     

Temporal assessment of quality of life of head and neck cancer patients receiving radical radiotherapy

The study was undertaken to evaluate physical, psychological and functional aspects in quality of life (QoL) assessment prospectively in biopsy-proven head and neck cancer patients receiving radical radiotherapy. Fifty male patients were assessed using Karnofsky's Performance Status (KPS), Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Functional Living Index – Cancer (FLIC). Patient questionnaires were completed before radiotherapy, during 3–4 weeks of radiotherapy and 3 months after radiotherapy. Before the start of radiotherapy, KPS was 91±10.26, FLIC was 129.98±33.41 and BDI was 7.10±4.57. This indicated good performance and functional status with lower depression. In weeks 3–4 of radiotherapy, KPS (71.00±20.12) and FLIC (81.34±45.23) decreased, while BDI(16.56 ±9.01) increased, indicating impairment in QoL. Three months after radiotherapy, KPS (78.37±23.0), FLIC (119.51± 43.62) and BDI(9.02±7.81) improved but were not restored to pre-treatment levels. When patients were scheduled for radical radiotherapy, maximum deterioration in QoL was seen in weeks 3–4. This is the time when maximum supportive care and psychologic counselling is required.     

头颈恶性肿瘤放射性口腔黏膜炎危险因素meta分析

目的 系统评价头颈恶性肿瘤放疗后放射性口腔黏膜炎的危险因素,为在临床工作中预防头颈恶性肿瘤患者放射性口腔黏膜炎的发生提供循证证据。 方法 通过计算机检索数据库PubMed、Embase、MEDLINE、Ovid、Web of Science、Cochrane Library、中国知网、维普、万方中公开发表的与头颈恶性肿瘤患者放疗过程中引起放射性口腔黏膜炎的危险因素有关的文献,检索各数据库从建库起至2020年6月的相关文献,由两位研究人员独立完成文献筛选、资料提取、质量评价,运用Rev Man 5.3软件和Stata 12.0软件进行分析。 结果 共计纳入14篇文献(英文5篇,中文9篇),结果显示,联合化疗(OR=2.24,95％CI:1.66～3.02)、吸烟(OR=2.12,95％CI:1.45～3.10)、饮酒(OR=1.58,95％CI:1.09～2.29)、糖尿病(OR=1.99,95％CI:1.46～2.70)、口腔pH≤7(OR=3.11,95％CI:2.13～4.55)、口腔卫生差(OR=4.38,95％CI:2.19～8.73)、未使用抗生素(OR=5.92,95％CI:2.91～12.04)、未使用黏膜保护剂(OR=5.39,95％CI:2.89～10.04)是头颈恶性肿瘤放射性口腔黏膜炎的危险因素,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。 结论 联合化疗、吸烟、饮酒、糖尿病、口腔pH≤7、口腔卫生差、未使用抗生素、未使用黏膜保护剂是头颈恶性肿瘤放射性口腔黏膜炎的危险因素,医务人员在临床工作中可采取相应预防措施降低放射性口腔黏膜炎的发生率及严重程度。     

Home enteral tube feeding in patients with inherited metabolic disorders: safety issues

BACKGROUND: Many children with inherited metabolic disorders (IMD), at risk of hypoglycaemia and metabolic decompensation, are dependent on long-term home overnight enteral tube feeding but its safety issues have not been evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To identify common safety issues and carer pressures for patients with IMD on home enteral tube feeds (HETF). METHODS: Thirty-four patients (53% male; median age 4.1, range: 1.2-15.8 years), with IMD on home continuous overnight tube feeds were recruited. They were all following specialized feeding regimens. A questionnaire, administered by face-to-face interview with carers identified family members involved in feeding, training they received; child safety issues; equipment reliability and carer night time disturbance. RESULTS: The principal problems were: carer sleep disturbance (100%); tube entanglement (71%); untrained secondary carers (71%); faulty pumps (50%); tube blockages (45%); faulty equipment (32%); and child tampering with pumps and feeding equipment (29%). CONCLUSIONS: Significant risks for children on HETF with IMD were identified, potentially leading to metabolic decompensation and hospitalization. The safety of feeding equipment, lack of training of extended family members and practical support for carers requires urgent attention.