The management of dysphagia in esophageal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Is invasive tube feeding required?

9613 Background: The dysphagia commonly associated with esophageal cancer often interferes with patient tolerance of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Surgical or endoscopic invasive tube feeding (ITF - gastroscopy/jejunostomy/stent) is a commonly employed strategy to maintain nutritional support however it can cause significant morbidity in its own right. We sought to determine if a strategy of careful dietary counseling and appropriately-timed neoadjuvant chemotherapy can obviate the need for ITF. Methods: Pts undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (TAX/CDDP/5FU Q3 weeks x3) for esophageal or GEJ adenocarcinoma at a single institution from 3/07–7/08 were identified from a prospective database. All received dietary counseling and were closely monitored for signs/ symptoms of malnutrition with serial (baseline, after 1 st cycle, pre-surgery) Body Mass Index (BMI), albumin, dysphagia scores (0 best - 4 worse), and quality of life (FACT-E). We assessed the response of dysphagia and nutritional status to neoadjuvant treatment and the need for ITF. Data presented as median (range) or mean (±SD), paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed ranks test determined significance. Results: 25 pts received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and significant dysphagia (score 2–4) was found in 14. Dysphagia scores improved in all 14 (all results in Table 1 ), and 10/13 improved after the first cycle. No patient required ITF. QoL as assessed by the FACT-E improved in 13/14 patients. A small decrease in BMI was noted, however serum albumin did not significantly decrease. Conclusions: Appropriately timed neoadjuvant chemotherapy with a highly effective regimen rapidly restores normal swallowing, maintains nutritional status, and obviates the need for ITF in patients with significant dysphagia from esophageal adenocarcinoma. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.