Serum concentrations of TNF-alpha as a surrogate marker for malnutrition and worse quality of life in patients with gastric cancer

Background & aims The aim of our study was to examine, in patients with gastric cancer, the correlation between nutritional status, QoL (quality of life) and serum levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1 and IL-6. Methods Forty-eight patients with gastric cancer were included. Nutritional status was assessed by % of weight loss in the previous 1 and 6 months, Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment, bioelectrical impedance analysis and by dynamometry. QoL was assessed by EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. TNF-alpha, IL-1 and IL-6 serum concentrations were determined using an ELISA assay. Results Prevalence of malnourished patients varied between 30% and 75% according to various methods used. QoL scores were significantly worse in patients with more advanced disease and in malnourished ones. Malnourished patients had higher values of IL-1 and TNF-alpha (16.7 and 28.0 pg/ml), p<0.05 and p<0.001. QoL was significantly worse in patients with higher levels of IL-1 and TNF-alpha (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). A TNF-alpha cut-off value of 8.72 pg/ml was associated with higher risk of malnutrition (MN) according to PG-SGA (94% sensitivity, 93% specificity). No correlation was observed with perioperative complications. Conclusions The prevalence of MN is high in patients with gastric cancer. A significant correlation was found between higher values of cytokines, especially TNF-alpha, MN and QoL.