Clinical and economic analysis of nutritional support in the perioperative treatment of lung cancer

Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing surgical treatment are at high risk of malnutrition, which increases the likelihood of complications and prolongs hospitalization. The clinical and economic effectiveness of specialized nutritional support in this population remains insufficiently studied. Objective. To assess the clinical and economic value of high-protein nutritional support (Nutridrink Compact Protein) in patients with NSCLC during preoperative preparation and postoperative care. Material and methods. This study was based on data from the multicenter comparative low-interventional clinical trial NUTRILUNC. Patients were assigned to an intervention group, which received specialized nutrition (2 × 125 ml for 14 days before and 14 days after surgery), or to a control group with standard nutrition. Outcomes included length of hospital stay, frequency of bronchoscopies, infectious complications, and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30). The clinical and economic analysis was performed using a cost-effectiveness model from the perspective of a healthcare organization. Calculations were based on the Russian State Healthcare Guarantee Program (Government Decree No. 2497 of 29.12.2022) and the manufacturer’s retail prices. Results. The clinical and economic analysis of nutritional support in perioperative lung cancer treatment demonstrated that its inclusion in standard patient management improves clinical and functional outcomes and reduces the need for resource-intensive procedures. High-protein nutritional support (Nutridrink Compact Protein) reduced mean hospital stay by 1.36 days, increased bed turnover by 11%, and generated additional revenue of 689.774 rubles per surgical bed per year. Additional cost savings (an average of 6.650 rubles per patient) were achieved through a significant reduction in bronchoscopy frequency: 20.0% in the intervention group versus 57.9% in the control group (a 65.5% decrease). Conclusion. Specialized nutritional support in the perioperative treatment of NSCLC patients after surgical intervention is clinically justified and economically feasible, supporting its inclusion in standard treatment protocols and strategies for optimizing inpatient care.