The Role of Total Parenteral Nutrition in Patients with Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis often develop complications which prevent them from receiving adequate oral intake. This can contribute to malnutrition, as well as increased morbidity and mortality. In such patients, total parenteral nutrition, which involves the intravenous administration of nutrients thereby bypassing the oral route, can be lifesaving. In this study, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing literature to evaluate the effect of total parenteral nutrition on the survival of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. In light of the limited treatment options available, total parenteral nutrition may improve survival outcomes, but further studies are needed to conclude definitively. ABSTRACT: Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is often associated with malnutrition and an inability to tolerate enteral feeding. Although total parenteral nutrition (TPN) can be lifesaving for patients with no other means of nutritional support, its use in the management of PC patients remains controversial. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the benefit of TPN on the overall survival of PC patients, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A total of 187 articles were screened; 10 were included in this review and eight were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled median overall survival of patients who received TPN was significantly higher than patients who did not receive TPN (p = 0.040). When only high-quality studies were included, a significant survival advantage was observed in PC patients receiving TPN (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis of patients receiving chemotherapy demonstrated a significant survival benefit (p = 0.008) associated with the use of TPN. In conclusion, TPN may improve survival outcomes in PC patients. However, further studies are needed to conclude more definitively on the effect of TPN.