Effectiveness of dietary prehabilitation in patients with gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers: a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers pose a serious health challenge, characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates. Dietary prehabilitation, aimed at optimizing nutritional status before treatment, has proven to be a promising strategy for improving outcomes.

Objectives: Our aim was to assess the effectiveness of dietary prehabilitation in improving clinical outcomes, including nutritional status, length of hospital stay, and quality of life in patients with gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers.

Patients and methods: We systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials and observational studies in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Electronic databases searched included Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, and Google Scholar.

Results: Twelve studies focusing on pretreatment dietary interventions were identified. Dietary prehabilitation, particularly using oral nutritional supplements or immunonutrition, reduced postoperative complications and improved nutritional status, especially in malnourished patients.

Conclusions: Dietary prehabilitation appears to benefit patients with gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers, particularly in terms of postoperative outcomes and nutritional status.