Oral Protein Supplements for Nutritional and Quality of Life Improvement After Pancreatic Resection in Elderly Patients

Yonsei University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor; Cholangiocarcinoma; Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm; Neuroendocrine Tumor; Pancreatic Cancer

Treatments: Dietary Supplement: oral protein supplements; Genetic: placebo

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06570174

4-2020-0552

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study investigates the effects of oral protein supplements on the nutritional status and quality of life in elderly patients following standard pancreatic resection. The research aims to determine whether these supplements can improve protein intake and contribute to better skeletal muscle mass, which is critical for recovery and overall health. The study hypothesizes that higher compliance with protein supplementation will be positively correlated with increased protein intake and improved muscle mass index, potentially leading to enhanced postoperative outcomes in this patient population.

Full description

This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted to assess the effects of oral protein supplements on nutritional status and quality of life in elderly patients following pancreaticobiliary surgery. The study included elderly patients aged 65 years or older who underwent surgery for pancreaticobiliary cancer. The trial was conducted between January 7, 2021, and July 18, 2022.

A total of 60 patients were initially enrolled, but after 19 dropouts, the final analysis was based on 41 patients (18 in the placebo group and 23 in the experimental group). The experimental group received protein supplements providing 18g of protein per day, while the control group received a placebo containing carbohydrates instead of protein.

Key outcomes such as nutrient intake, nutritional status, quality of life, muscle mass, muscle strength, and 10-meter gait speed were measured at three time points: before surgery, at discharge, and during an outpatient visit. The data were analyzed using a Linear Mixed-Effects Model to evaluate the effects of the intervention.

Enrollment: 60 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 65+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Patients aged 65 years or older who were diagnosed with and underwent surgery for one of the following cancers:

  1. pancreatic cancer
  2. cholangiocarcinoma
  3. intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm
  4. neuroendocrine tumor
  5. solid pseudopapillary tumor.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients were excluded from the study if they met any of the following criteria:

  1. Patients who were assessed as severely malnourished before surgery (PG-SGA grade C);
  2. Patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 60 mL/min, or those diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and a history of related treatment;
  3. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher;
  4. Patients with ascites or edema severe enough to affect weight evaluation;
  5. Patients whose bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) could not be measured due to the use of pacemakers or implants;
  6. Patients whom the researcher deemed unable to participate in the study for psychological or cognitive reasons;
  7. Patients who did not provide consent for participation in this study.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

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60 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Protein Supplement group

Experimental group

Description:

This group received a daily oral protein supplement providing 18g of protein. The supplement was administered postoperatively and continued throughout the study period to evaluate its impact on nutritional status, quality of life, muscle mass, muscle strength, and gait speed.

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: oral protein supplements

Placebo group

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

This group received a placebo that contained carbohydrates instead of protein. The placebo was identical in appearance and taste to the protein supplement, ensuring the double-blind nature of the study. This arm was used to compare the effects of the protein supplement on the same outcomes.

Treatment:

Genetic: placebo