Weight Loss Following Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer: Characterization and Effect on Survival

Michelle L. McDonald, Michael A. Liss, Unwanaobong U. Nseyo, Dana B. Gal, Christopher J. Kane, A. Karim Kader

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Weight loss following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer is commonly observed although poorly characterized. The current study investigates the prevalence of postoperative weight loss and its association with mortality in a cohort of patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Special attention was given to indicators of nutritional status and the potential effect of malnutrition on postoperative outcomes. Introduction The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of postoperative weight loss (WL) following radical cystectomy (RC) and its association with mortality. Nutritional status is recognized as a potential modifiable risk factor for postoperative complications following RC for bladder cancer. The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recognize WL as a diagnostic measure for malnutrition. Methods Seventy-one patients underwent RC for bladder cancer between July 2008 and July 2013, in whom peri-operative weights were documented regularly. The primary predictor variable was substantial WL defined as ≥ 10% WL by postoperative month 1. Survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis; logistic regression was used for multivariate analyses. Results Mean postoperative WL at 2 weeks was 9.5 lbs (−5.2%), 14.3 lbs (−7.8%) at 1 month, 16.9 lbs (−9.0%) at 2 months, 12.6 lbs (−6.9%) at 3 months, and 8.9 lbs (−4.6%) at 4 months. Forty-two percent of patients met criteria for substantial WL. At 19 months median follow-up, the overall mortality rate was 31% (22 of 71), which rose to 64% (14 of 22) in patients who experienced substantial WL (P < .05). Substantial WL trended towards significance on multivariate analysis (P = .07). There was a significant decrease in 5-year survival in patients with ≥ 10% WL (log rank P < .05). Conclusions Patients experience WL following RC, which may be indicative of malnutrition. Substantial WL may predict for poor overall survival. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether nutritional optimization can prevent significant WL and improve outcomes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)86-92
Number of pages7
JournalClinical Genitourinary Cancer
Volume15
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Bladder neoplasms
  • Malnutrition
  • Mortality
  • Muscle invasive bladder cancer
  • Surgery

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Urology

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