The Clinical Influence of the CONUT Score on Survival of Patients With Gastric Cancer Receiving Curative Treatment

Abstract

Background: We investigated the influence of the preoperative Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score on survival and recurrence of gastric cancer in patients after curative treatment. Patients and Methods: This study included 331 patients who underwent curative surgery followed by adjuvant treatment for gastric cancer between 2013 and 2017. The risk factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were identified. Results: Based on the 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates, a CONUT score of 2 was regarded as the optimal cut-off value for classification. The 3- and 5-year OS rates were 93.6% and 88.6%, respectively in the low-CONUT group, and 82.7% and 73.6% in high-CONUT group (p=0.022). The 3- and 5-year RFS rates were 78.8% and 68.7%, respectively, in the low-CONUT group, and 89.3% and 86.6%, respectively, in the high-CONUT group (p=0.05). A multivariate analysis showed that the CONUT score was a significant independent predictive factor for OS and RFS. Conclusion: The CONUT score was a predictive factor for survival in patients who underwent curative treatment for gastric cancer. It is necessary to develop an effective plan for perioperative care and surgical strategy according to the CONUT score.