CompletedPhase 2

Personalized Pharmaconutrition Therapy for Myosteatosis, Sarcopenia, and Prognosis in Gastric Cancer Patients

Turkey (Türkiye)40 participantsStarted 2024-10-16

Plain-language summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of personalized pharmaconutrition therapy on myosteatosis, sarcopenia, and disease prognosis in patients undergoing surgery due to gastric cancer. Myosteatosis refers to the accumulation of fat within skeletal muscle and is an important indicator of muscle quality and may be associated with postoperative recovery and disease outcomes. A total of 40 patients will be included in the study (20 controls, 20 intervention). In addition to standard nutritional care, the intervention group will receive an amino acid-based pharmaconutrition protocol containing glutamine, arginine, and beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate. The pharmaconutritional intervention will be dosed according to individual requirements so that the total protein intake from the diet is 1-1.5 g/kg, based on the analysis of weekly food consumption records taken from the start to the end of the study. The control group will receive only standard nutritional care. Myosteatosis, an indicator of muscle quality, will be assessed using computed tomography (CT) images obtained at the level of the third lumbar vertebra (L3). For the evaluation of myosteatosis, the mean radiodensity of skeletal muscle within the range of -29 to +150 Hounsfield Units (HU) will be used. Sarcopenia will be determined using the skeletal muscle index (SMI), which is calculated by dividing skeletal muscle area (SMA) by the square of height (cm²/m²). In addition, clinical and nutritional parameters will also be evaluated. Measurements will be performed at one week before surgery and at postoperative week 4. Disease prognosis will be evaluated using the Glasgow Prognostic Score and the Prognostic Nutritional Index. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of personalized pharmaconutrition therapy on myosteatosis, sarcopenia, disease prognosis, and clinical outcomes in patients with gastric cancer. Research Question: Does personalized pharmaconutrition therapy affect myosteatosis and sarcopenia in patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery?

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

MALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Male adults aged between 18 and 64 years * Diagnosed with primary or recurrent gastric cancer and eligible for surgery * Body Mass Index (BMI) within the normal range (18.5-24.9 kg/m²) * Capable of oral or enteral feeding * Provided written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Absence of written informed consent * Female sex * Diagnosis of a benign tumor or a tumor located outside the stomach * Not requiring surgical intervention * Presence of renal failure or hepatic failure * Presence of overt ascites or edema within the past month * Prior use of the pharmaconutrition product planned for this study

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Skeletal Muscle Myosteatosis at the L3 Level Assessed by Computed Tomography

Timeframe: Baseline and Postoperative week 4

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07466758

SponsorBiruni University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-03-04

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