Preoperative Weight Loss in Patients With Excess Weight and Colorectal Cancer

Is intensive weight loss before curative surgery in people with colorectal cancer and excess weight feasible and cost-effective?In this randomized clinical trial of 71 individuals with colorectal cancer and excess weight, participants following a low-energy total diet replacement program with dietetic support lost 4.3 kg more weight than the usual care group within 33 days until surgery with no evidence of between-group differences in fat-free mass and physical function. Modeling indicated the intervention was cost-effective.These data provide reassurance for both patients and clinicians regarding the safety, feasibility, and likely cost-effectiveness of intentional weight loss before colorectal cancer surgery.

Corresponding Authors: Dimitrios A. Koutoukidis, PhD, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK (dimitrios.koutoukidis@phc.ox.ac.uk); Simon J. A. Buczacki, PhD, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building (off Roosevelt Dr), Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK (simon.buczacki@nds.ox.ac.uk).

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