Corning

This research focuses on patients with gastrointestinal cancer who are scheduled for major surgery. The study aims to identify patients who may be at risk for frailty, a condition common in older adults characterized by symptoms such as weight loss, weakness, fatigue, low activity, and slow walking. Frailty may increase the risk of complications after major surgery. The study will describe how often frailty occurs in these cancer patients and whether frailty is linked to problems following surgery. Participants will be asked to complete a frailty survey called the Clinical Risk Analysis Index (RAI-C) before their surgery. Researchers will also collect about 10 ml (2 teaspoons) of blood before surgery to perform tests including complete blood count, vitamin A, creatinine, C-Reactive Protein, DHEA, albumin, and prealbumin. During the study, participants will complete the frailty survey and provide a blood sample before surgery. Researchers will review medical records to assess frailty and its impact on surgical outcomes. The main outcome measured is the percentage of patients considered frail based on the RAI-C scores of 21 or higher. This helps understand frailty's role in surgical risk for gastrointestinal cancer patients.