Gastrointestinal Cancer: Omega-3 Reduce Postoperative Recovery Time

In patients with gastrointestinal tract cancer undergoing surgery, omega-3 supplements stimulate immune function, reduce inflammation, and improve nutritional status, thereby facilitating recovery and shortening hospital stays. Although further studies are needed to confirm these positive effects, the use of EPA and DHA supplements is recommended for managing the postoperative period.

This is reported by a recent study conducted by researchers at Capital Medical University in Beijing (China), published in the journal BMC Cancer.

Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer: Malnutrition Among Postoperative Complications

Various types of digestive system cancers are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Malignant tumors of the digestive system include cancers of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas. Surgery is the primary treatment for patients with early-stage cancer. However, those undergoing surgery risk developing postoperative complications such as malnutrition, tumor-induced immunosuppression, surgical stress, and inflammation. Postoperative complications affect clinical outcomes in patients with digestive tract cancers and consequently the length of hospital stay and related healthcare costs. 

Among various symptoms, malnutrition is the most important factor influencing clinical prognosis. Recent studies indicate that nutritional support can reduce the incidence of adverse events after surgery in patients with gastrointestinal tract cancer. In this context, polyunsaturated fatty acids may promote recovery after surgery due to their beneficial properties. Omega-3 fatty acids, in fact, modulate inflammation levels, reduce oxidative stress and surgical complications; some studies indicate that the anti-inflammatory effects of EPA and DHA promote wound healing and improve adaptive immune response. However, interpreting these studies is challenging due to methodological limitations and small sample sizes. Additionally, results from some recent studies are contradictory and require further investigation.

Reduced Inflammation and Enhanced Immune System After Omega-3 Supplementation

To clarify the potential role of omega-3 in patients with cancer after surgery, Chinese researchers conducted a meta-analysis that combined and analyzed data from scientific studies reporting the effects of EPA and DHA on key molecules of inflammation and the immune system. Overall, the results showed that patients who took omega-3 supplements had lower levels of inflammatory substances compared to those who did not consume supplements, and they exhibited higher amounts of immune system molecules, suggesting that omega-3 significantly reduced inflammation levels and stimulated the body's defense functions. According to the researchers, modulation of immune responses and inflammation reduction together can shorten postoperative hospital stays in patients with gastrointestinal tract cancers. Furthermore, the researchers recommend starting nutritional support with omega-3 five to seven days before surgery and continuing through the postoperative period.

Study Details

The meta-analysis examined the results of nine clinical trials involving a total of 623 patients. The conclusions indicate that omega-3 supplements are beneficial for patients with gastrointestinal tract cancer, as they reduce levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α and promote anti-inflammatory molecule activity, stimulating healing. High consumption of EPA and DHA was strongly correlated with a reduction in CRP levels (a protein produced by the liver during inflammatory states), indicating a better prognosis. The meta-analysis also demonstrated that omega-3 effectively increased T lymphocyte levels, indicating improved immune system response after surgery. The researchers acknowledged several limitations in the study. For example, omega-3 consumption varies greatly between countries, which could explain the variability of results between studies. The outcome estimates were taken from published data; therefore, systematic limitations could not be minimized and data were sometimes incomplete.

Omega-3 Reduce Hospitalization

Despite the aforementioned objections, the effects of omega-3 in the postoperative phase of patients with gastrointestinal cancer are positive; the scientists conducting the research concluded that supplementation with EPA and DHA can improve immune function and reduce inflammation levels, accelerating recovery after surgery. 

Source: Jing Yu, et al. “Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on patients undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal malignancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” BMC Cancer.