Impact of sarcopenia on the prognosis and treatment toxicities in patients diagnosed with cancer. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care. 2013;7:383-389. [PMID: 24189893 DOI: 10.1097/spc.0000000000000011]

AMPK as a mediator of tissue preservation: time for a shift in dogma?

Ground-breaking discoveries have established 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) as a central sensor of metabolic stress in cells and tissues. AMPK is activated through cellular starvation, exercise and drugs by either directly or indirectly affecting the intracellular AMP (or ADP) to ATP ratio. In turn, AMPK regulates multiple processes of cell metabolism, such as the maintenance of cellular ATP levels, via the regulation of fatty acid oxidation, glucose uptake, glycolysis, autophagy, mitochondrial biogenesis and degradation, and insulin sensitivity. Moreover, AMPK inhibits anabolic processes, such as lipogenesis and protein synthesis. These findings support the notion that AMPK is a crucial regulator of cell catabolism. However, studies have revealed that AMPK's role in cell homeostasis might not be as unidirectional as originally thought. This Review explores emerging evidence for AMPK as a promoter of cell survival and an enhancer of anabolic capacity in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue during catabolic crises. We discuss AMPK-activating interventions for tissue preservation during tissue wasting in cancer-associated cachexia and explore the clinical potential of AMPK activation in wasting conditions. Overall, we provide arguments that call for a shift in the current dogma of AMPK as a mere regulator of cell catabolism, concluding that AMPK has an unexpected role in tissue preservation.

Predictive Value of a New Muscle Parameter in Patients with Resectable Gastric Cancer: A Pooled Analysis of Three Prospective Trials

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is closely associated with gastric cancer (GC) prognosis. However, its exact definition remains controversial.

METHODS

This study included computed tomography images and clinical data of patients from three prospective studies. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) and skeletal muscle radiation attenuation (SMRA) were analyzed, and a new muscle parameter, skeletal muscle gauge (SMG), was obtained by multiplying the two parameters. The values of the three indices for predicting the prognosis of patients with GC were compared.

RESULTS

The study included 717 patients. The findings showed median values of 42 cm2/m2 (range, 36.8-48.2 cm2/m2) for SMI, 45 HU (range, 41-49 HU) for SMRA, and 1842 (range, 1454-2260) for SMG. Postoperatively, 111 patients (15.5%) experienced complications. The 3-year overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were 74.3%, 68.2%, and 70%, respectively. Univariate logistic analysis showed that postoperative complications were associated with SMI (odds ratio [OR] 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92-0.96), SMRA (OR, 0.87; 95% CI 0.84-0.90), and SMG (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.98-0.99). After a two-step multivariate analysis, only SMG (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99) was an independent protective factor of postoperative complications. Multivariate analysis showed that SMG also was an independent protective factor of OS, DFS, and RFS. The patients were divided into low-SMG (L-SMG) group and high-SMG (H-SMG) groups. Chemotherapy benefit analysis of the patients with stage II low SMG showed that the OS, DFS, and RFS of the chemotherapy group were significantly better than those of the non-chemotherapy group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The prospective large sample data showed that the new muscle parameter, SMG, can effectively predict the short-term outcome and long-term prognosis of patients with resectable gastric cancer. As a new muscle parameter index, SMG is worthy of further study.

Multimodal prerehabilitation for elderly patients with sarcopenia in colorectal surgery

Sarcopenia, which is characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, has been well described to be associated with numerous poor postoperative outcomes, such as increased perioperative mortality, postoperative sepsis, prolonged length of stay, increased cost of care, decreased functional outcome, and poorer oncological outcomes in cancer surgery. Multimodal prehabilitation, as a concept that involves boosting and optimizing the preoperative condition of a patient prior to the upcoming stressors of a surgical procedure, has the purported benefits of reversing the effects of sarcopenia, shortening hospitalization, improving the rate of return to bowel activity, reducing the costs of hospitalization, and improving quality of life. This review aims to present the current literature surrounding the concept of sarcopenia, its implications pertaining to colorectal cancer and surgery, a summary of studied multimodal prehabilitation interventions, and potential future advances in the management of sarcopenia.

Effect of sarcopenia on survival in patients after pancreatic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Numerous studies have reported sarcopenia to be associated with unfavorable outcomes in patients who have undergone pancreatectomy. Therefore, in this meta-analysis, we examined the relationship between sarcopenia and survival after pancreatic surgery.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies that examined the association between sarcopenia and survival after pancreatic surgery from the inception of the database until June 1, 2023. Hazard ratio (HR) for overall survival (OS) and/or progression-free survival (PFS) of sarcopenia and pancreatic surgery were extracted from the selected studies and random or fixed-effect models were used to summarize the data according to the heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's linear regression test and a funnel plot.

Results

Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. For 13 aggregated univariate and 16 multivariate estimates, sarcopenia was associated with decreased OS (univariate analysis: HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.48-1.93; multivariate analysis: HR 1.69; 95% CI 1.39-2.05, I2 = 77.4%). Furthermore, sarcopenia was significantly associated with poor PFS of pancreatic resection (Change to univariate analysis: HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.47-2.05; multivariate analysis: HR 1.54; 95% CI 1.23-1.93, I2 = 63%).

Conclusion

Sarcopenia may be a significant prognostic factor for a shortened survival following pancreatectomy since it is linked to an elevated risk of mortality. Further studies are required to understand how sarcopenia affects long-term results after pancreatic resection.Systematic review registrationRegistration ID: CRD42023438208 https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails.

Pediatric body composition based on automatic segmentation of computed tomography scans: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Body composition during childhood may predispose to negative health outcomes later in life. Automatic segmentation may assist in quantifying pediatric body composition in children.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate automatic segmentation for body composition on pediatric computed tomography (CT) scans and to provide normative data on muscle and fat areas throughout childhood using automatic segmentation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this pilot study, 537 children (ages 1-17 years) who underwent abdominal CT after high-energy trauma at a Dutch tertiary center (2002-2019) were retrospectively identified. Of these, the CT images of 493 children (66% boys) were used to establish normative data. Muscle (psoas, paraspinal and abdominal wall) and fat (subcutaneous and visceral) areas were measured at the third lumbar vertebral (L3) level by automatic segmentation. A representative subset of 52 scans was also manually segmented to evaluate the performance of automatic segmentation.

RESULTS

For manually-segmented versus automatically-segmented areas (52 scans), mean Dice coefficients were high for muscle (0.87-0.90) and subcutaneous fat (0.88), but lower for visceral fat (0.60). In the control group, muscle area was comparable for both sexes until the age of 13 years, whereafter, boys developed relatively more muscle. From a young age, boys were more prone to visceral fat storage than girls. Overall, boys had significantly higher visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratios (median 1.1 vs. 0.6, P<0.01) and girls higher fat-to-muscle ratios (median 1.0 vs. 0.7, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Automatic segmentation of L3-level muscle and fat areas allows for accurate quantification of pediatric body composition. Using automatic segmentation, the development in muscle and fat distribution during childhood (in otherwise healthy) Dutch children was demonstrated.

Comparison of medical resource consumption between oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma with and without sarcopenia: A nationwide population-based cohort study

PURPOSE

No study has compared long-term medical resource consumption between patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) with and without sarcopenia receiving curative surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Generalized linear mixed and logistic regression models were employed to evaluate the number of postoperative visits and medical reimbursement for head and neck cancer or complications and the number of hospitalizations for treatment-related complications over 5 years after curative surgery, respectively.

RESULTS

The mean difference (95% CI) in total medical claims amounts between the nonsarcopenia and sarcopenia groups were new Taiwan dollars (NTD) 47 820 (35 864-59 776, p < 0.0001), 11 902 (4897-18 908, p = 0.0009), 17 282 (10 666-23 898, p < 0.0001), 17 364 (9644-25 084, p < 0.0001), and 8236 (111-16 362, p = 0.0470) for the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth years, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The long-term medical resource consumption was higher in the sarcopenia group than in the nonsarcopenia group.

Measurement of body composition by DXA, BIA, Leg-to-leg BIA and near-infrared spectroscopy in breast cancer patients - comparison of the four methods

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Body composition plays a crucial role in therapy adherence and the prognosis of cancer patients. The aim of this work was to compare four measurement methods for determining body composition regarding their validity, reliability and practicability in order to be able to draft a practical recommendation as to which method is most suitable as a standard measurement method in oncology.

METHODS

Fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) was estimated for 100 breast cancer patients with ages of 18-70 years during a defined 20-week inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation process after primary therapy or follow-up rehabilitation. The four methods used were dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), leg-to-leg BIA and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). At baseline (t0) and after 20 weeks (t20) the agreement between the four body composition analysis methods was quantified by pairwise method comparisons using Bland-Altman bias and limits of agreement estimates, t-tests and Lin's concordance correlation coefficients (CCCs).

RESULTS

CCCs and Bland-Altman plots indicated that DXA and BIA, DXA and NIRS as well as BIA and NIRS showed an excellent agreement concerning FM estimation at both time points (CCC>0.9). In contrast, no methods agreed with a CCC higher than 0.9 with respect to FFM estimation. However, most estimates were also significantly different between two methods, except for BIA and NIRS which yielded comparable FFM and FM estimates at both time points, albeit with large 95% limits of agreement intervals. The agreement between DXA and BIA was best in the lowest BMI tertile and worsened as BMI increased. Significant differences were also found for FFM changes measured with DXA versus BIA (mean difference -0.4 kg, p = 0.0049), DXA versus to Leg-to-leg BIA (-0.6 kg, p = 0.00073) and for FM changes measured with DXA versus Leg-to-leg BIA (0.5 kg, p = 0.0011).

CONCLUSIONS

For accurate and valid body composition estimates, Leg-to-leg BIA cannot be recommended due to its significant underestimation of FM or significant overestimation of FFM, respectively. BIA and NIRS results showed good agreement with the gold standard DXA. Therefore both measurement methods appear to be very well suitable to assess body composition of oncological patients and should be used more frequently on a routine basis to monitor the body composition of breast cancer patients.

High-intensity exercise prescription guided by heart rate variability in breast cancer patients: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is a chronic disease with a large growth in its treatments, prognosis, improvements, side effects and rehabilitation therapies research. These advances have also highlighted the need to use physical exercise as a countermeasure to reduce the cardiotoxicity of pharmacological treatments, increase patients' strength and quality of life and improve body composition, physical condition and mental health. However, new investigations show the need for a closed exercise individualisation to produce higher physiological, physical and psychological benefits in remote exercise programs. To this end, the present study will use, in a novel way in this population, heart rate variability (HRV) as a measure for prescribing high-intensity training. Thus, the primary objective of this randomised clinical trial is to analyse the effects of a high-intensity exercise program daily guided by HRV, a preplanned moderate to high-intensity exercise intervention and a usual care group, in breast cancer patients after chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments.

METHODS

For this purpose, a 16-week intervention will be carried out with 90 breast cancer patients distributed in 3 groups (a control group, a moderate to high-intensity preplanned exercise group and a high-intensity exercise group guided by HRV). Both physical exercise interventions will be developed remotely and supervised including strength and cardiovascular exercises. Physiological variables, such as cardiotoxicity, biomarkers, lipid profile, glucose, heart rate and blood pressure; physical measures like cardiorespiratory capacity, strength, flexibility, agility, balance and body composition; and psychosocial variables, as health-related quality of life, fatigue, functionality, self-esteem, movement fear, physical exercise level, anxiety and depression will be measure before, after the intervention and 3 and 6 months follow up.

DISCUSSION

Personalized high-intensity exercise could be a promising exercise intervention in contrast to moderate-intensity or usual care in breast cancer patients to reach higher clinical, physical and mental effects. In addition, the novelty of controlling HRV measures daily may reflect exercise effects and patients' adaptation in the preplanned exercise group and a new opportunity to adjust intensity. Moreover, findings may support the effectiveness and security of physical exercise remotely supervised, although with high-intensity exercise, to reach cardiotoxicity improvements and increase physical and psychosocial variables after breast cancer treatments. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov nº NCT05040867 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT05040867 ).

Role of Machine Learning-Based CT Body Composition in Risk Prediction and Prognostication: Current State and Future Directions

CT body composition analysis has been shown to play an important role in predicting health and has the potential to improve patient outcomes if implemented clinically. Recent advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning have led to high speed and accuracy for extracting body composition metrics from CT scans. These may inform preoperative interventions and guide treatment planning. This review aims to discuss the clinical applications of CT body composition in clinical practice, as it moves towards widespread clinical implementation.

Low muscle mass is associated with a higher risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease-specific mortality in cancer survivors

OBJECTIVES

Individuals with prior cancer diagnosis are more likely to have low muscle mass (LMM) than their cancer-free counterparts. Understanding the effects of LMM on the prognosis of cancer survivors can be clinically important. The aim of this study was to investigate whether risks for all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-specific mortality differ by status of LMM in cancer survivors and a matched cohort without cancer history.

METHODS

We used cohort data from the 1999-2006 and 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants included 946 adults surviving for ≥1 since cancer diagnosis and a matched cohort (by age, sex, and race) without cancer history (N = 1857). LMM was defined by appendicular lean mass and body height (men <7.26 kg/m2, women <5.45 kg/m2). Death was ascertained via the National Death Index and cause of death was assessed via International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of LMM.

RESULTS

The mean age of cancer survivors and matched cohort was 60.6 y (SD 15) and 60.2 y (SD 14.9), respectively. The median follow-up was 10.5 y for survivors and 10.9 y for matched cohort. Overall, 22.2% of cancer survivors and 19.7% of the matched cohort had LMM, respectively. In all, 321 survivors (33.9%) and 495 participants (26.7%) in the matched cohort died during follow-up. CVD-specific deaths were identified in 58 survivors (6.1%) and 122 participants in the matched cohort (6.6%). The multivariable Cox model suggested that LMM was positively associated with all-cause (aHR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.31-2.29) and CVD-specific (aHR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.14-4.00) mortality in cancer survivors. The associations between LMM and risk for all-cause (aHR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.98-1.56) and CVD-specific (aHR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.75-1.93) mortality were not statistically significant in the matched cohort.

CONCLUSION

Cancer survivors with LMM have an increased risk for all-cause and CVD-specific mortality. This increase appears to be larger than that in counterparts without cancer history.

Effect of body tissue composition on the outcome of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors

Obesity and sarcopenia have been reported to affect outcomes in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). We analyzed prospective data from 52 patients with non-oncogene driven metastatic NSCLC treated with ICIs. Body tissue composition was calculated by measuring the fat and muscle densities at the level of 3rd lumbar vertebra in each patient computed tomography scan before ICI initiation using sliceOmatic tomovision. We converted the densities to indices [Intramuscular Fat Index (IMFI), Visceral Fat Index (VFI), Subcutaneous Fat Index (SFI), Lumbar Skeletal Muscle Index (LSMI)] by dividing them by height in meters squared. Patients were dichotomized based on their baseline IMFI, VFI and SFI according to their gender-specific median value. The cut-offs that were set for LMSI values were 55 cm2/m2 for males and 39 cm2/m2 for females. SFI distribution was significantly higher (p = 0.040) in responders compared to non-responders. None of the other variables affected response rates. Low LSMI HR: 2.90 (95% CI: 1.261-6.667, p = 0.012) and low SFI: 2.20 (95% CI: 1.114-4.333, p = 0.023) values predicted for inferior OS. VFI and IMFI values did not affect survival. Subcutaneous adipose and skeletal muscle tissue composition significantly affected immunotherapy outcomes in our cohort.

The possible relation between temporal muscle mass and glioblastoma multiforme prognosis via sarcopenia perspective

BACKGROUND

The optimal sarcopenia measurement method in patients with a diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is unknown. It has been found that temporal muscle thickness (TMT) may reflect sarcopenia and be associated with survival, but the relationship between temporal muscle area (TMA) and GBM prognosis has never been evaluated before. The primary outcome of the study was to evaluate the relationship between TMA/TMT and overall survival (OS) time in newly diagnosed GBM patients.

METHODS

The data of patients who presented at the university hospital between January 2009 and January 2019 with a confirmed diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme at the time of diagnosis were analyzed retrospectively. Temporal muscle thickness and TMA were measured retrospectively from preoperative MRIs of patients diagnosed with GBM. Due to the small number of patients and the failure to determine a cut-off value with acceptable sensitivity and specificity using ROC analysis, the median values were chosen as the cut-off value. The patients were basically divided into two according to their median TMT (6.6 mm) or TMA (452 mm2 ) values, and survival analysis was performed with the Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

The median TMT value was 6.6 mm, and the median TMA value was 452 mm2 . The median overall survival (OS) was calculated as 25.8 months in patients with TMT < 6.6 mm, and 15.8 months in patients with TMT ≥ 6.6 mm (p = 0.29). The median overall survival (OS) of patients with TMA < 452mm2 was 26.3 months, and the group with TMA ≥ 452mm2 was 14.6 months (p = 0.06). The median disease-free survival was 18.3 months (%95 CI: 13.2-23.4) in patients with TMT < 6.6mm, while mDFS was 10.9 (%95 CI: 8.0-13.8) months in patients with TMT ≥ 6.6mm (p = 0.21). The median disease-free survival was found to be 21.0 months (%95 CI: 15.8-26.1) in patients with TMA < 452 mm2 and 10.5 months (%95 CI: 7.8-13.2) in patients with TMA ≥ 452 mm2 (p = 0.018).

DISCUSSION

No association could be demonstrated between TMT or TMA and OS of GBM patients. In addition, the median DFS was found to be longer in patients with low TMA. There is an unmet need to determine the optimal method of sarcopenia in GBM patients.

The correlation of muscle quantity and quality between all vertebra levels and level L3, measured with CT: An exploratory study

Introduction

In patients with cancer, low muscle mass has been associated with a higher risk of fatigue, poorer treatment outcomes, and mortality. To determine body composition with computed tomography (CT), measuring the muscle quantity at the level of lumbar 3 (L3) is suggested. However, in patients with cancer, CT imaging of the L3 level is not always available. Thus far, little is known about the extent to which other vertebra levels could be useful for measuring muscle status. In this study, we aimed to assess the correlation of the muscle quantity and quality between any vertebra level and L3 level in patients with various tumor localizations.

Methods

Two hundred-twenty Positron Emission Tomography (PET)-CT images of patients with four different tumor localizations were included: 1. head and neck (n = 34), 2. esophagus (n = 45), 3. lung (n = 54), and 4. melanoma (n = 87). From the whole body scan, 24 slices were used, i.e., one for each vertebra level. Two examiners contoured the muscles independently. After contouring, muscle quantity was estimated by calculating skeletal muscle area (SMA) and skeletal muscle index (SMI). Muscle quality was assessed by calculating muscle radiation attenuation (MRA). Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine whether the other vertebra levels correlate with L3 level.

Results

For SMA, strong correlations were found between C1-C3 and L3, and C7-L5 and L3 (r = 0.72-0.95). For SMI, strong correlations were found between the levels C1-C2, C7-T5, T7-L5, and L3 (r = 0.70-0.93), respectively. For MRA, strong correlations were found between T1-L5 and L3 (r = 0.71-0.95).

Discussion

For muscle quantity, the correlations between the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar levels are good, except for the cervical levels in patients with esophageal cancer. For muscle quality, the correlations between the other levels and L3 are good, except for the cervical levels in patients with melanoma. If visualization of L3 on the CT scan is absent, the other thoracic and lumbar vertebra levels could serve as a proxy to measure muscle quantity and quality in patients with head and neck, esophageal, lung cancer, and melanoma, whereas the cervical levels may be less reliable as a proxy in some patient groups.

Prognostic Impact of Sarcopenia in Patients with Advanced Prostate Carcinoma: A Systematic Review

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer in men and the fifth leading cause of death from cancer. The possibility of sarcopenia being a prognostic factor in advanced PCa patients has recently become a subject of interest. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic value of sarcopenia in advanced prostate carcinoma. A systematic review was conducted in Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science (March, 2021). The quality of studies was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. Meta-analyses for overall, cancer-specific, and progression-free survival were performed. Nine studies (n = 1659) were included. Sarcopenia was borderline associated with a shorter overall survival (HR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.44, P = 0.04, I2 = 43%) but was significantly associated with progression-free survival (HR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.06, P < 0.01; k = 3; n = 588). Available evidence supports sarcopenia as an important prognostic factor of progression-free survival in patients with advanced PCa. However, sarcopenia has a weak association with a shorter overall survival. The evidence on the role of sarcopenia in prostate-cancer-specific survival is insufficient and supports the need for further research. Patient summary: The literature was reviewed to determine whether the loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) affects the survival in patients with advanced PCa. Patients with advanced PCa and sarcopenia were found to have a shorter progression-free survival (the length of time during and after treatment of a cancer that the patient lives with the disease but it does not get worse), but sarcopenia did not have much influence on the overall survival and cancer-specific survival (the length of time from either the date of diagnosis or the start of treatment to the date of death due to the cancer).

Sarcopenia in chronic advanced liver diseases: A sex-oriented analysis of the literature

Sarcopenia, defined as progressive and generalized loss of muscle mass and strength, is common in chronic liver disease. It significantly impacts the quality of life and increases the risk of liver-related complications and mortality in cirrhotic patients. Moreover, recent studies showed a negative impact of sarcopenia on patients awaiting liver transplantation (LT), on post-LT outcomes, and on response to hepatocellular carcinoma therapies. Data about the influence of sex on the incidence, prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of sarcopenia in chronic liver diseases are poor and conflicting. The aims of this review of the literature are to define sex differences in sarcopenic cirrhotic patients and to highlight the necessity of a sex stratified analysis in future studies. This analysis of the literature showed that most of the studies are retrospective, with a higher prevalence of sarcopenia in males, probably due to anatomical differences between the sexes. Moreover, diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia are different between studies, as there is not a defined cut-off and, as a consequence, no comparable results. In conclusion, sex seems to have an impact on sarcopenia, and future studies must accurately investigate its role in identifying and treating high-risk patients, reducing the negative impact of sarcopenia on the survival and quality of life of cirrhotic patients.

Effect of Pre-Existing Sarcopenia on Oncological Outcomes for Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma Undergoing Curative Surgery: A Propensity Score-Matched, Nationwide, Population-Based Cohort Study

Purpose: The effect of pre-existing sarcopenia on patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) remains unknown. Therefore, we designed a propensity score-matched population-based cohort study to compare the oncological outcomes of patients with OCSCC undergoing curative surgery with and without sarcopenia. Patients and Methods: We included patients with OCSCC undergoing curative surgery and categorized them into two groups according to the presence or absence of pre-existing sarcopenia. Patients in both the groups were matched at a ratio of 2:1. Results: The matching process yielded 16,294 patients (10,855 and 5439 without and with pre-existing sarcopenia, respectively). In multivariate Cox regression analyses, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR, 95% confidence interval [CI]) of all-cause mortality for OCSCC with and without pre-existing sarcopenia was 1.15 (1.11−1.21, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the aHRs (95% CIs) of locoregional recurrence and distant metastasis for OCSCC with and without pre-existing sarcopenia were 1.07 (1.03−1.18, p = 0.0020) and 1.07 (1.03−1.20, p = 0.0148), respectively. Conclusions: Pre-existing sarcopenia might be a significant poor prognostic factor for overall survival, locoregional recurrence, and distant metastasis for patients with OCSCC undergoing curative surgery. In susceptible patients at a risk of OCSCC, sarcopenia prevention measures should be encouraged, such as exercise and early nutrition intervention.

Systemic Ketone Replacement Does Not Improve Survival or Cancer Cachexia in Mice With Lung Cancer

Cachexia is a debilitating comorbidity affecting many lung cancer patients. We have previously found that cachectic mice with lung cancer have reduced serum ketone body levels due to low PPARα activity in the liver. Restoring hepatic PPARα activity with fenofibrate increased circulating ketones and delayed muscle and white adipose tissue wasting. We hypothesized that the loss of circulating ketones plays a pathophysiologic role in cachexia and performed two dietary intervention studies to test this hypothesis. In the first study, male and female mice were randomized to consume either a very low carbohydrate, ketogenic diet (KD) or normal chow (NC) after undergoing tumor induction. The KD successfully restored serum ketone levels and decreased blood glucose in cachectic mice but did not improve body weight maintenance or survival. In fact, there was a trend for the KD to worsen survival in male but not in female mice. In the second study, we compounded a ketone ester supplement into the NC diet (KE) and randomized tumor-bearing mice to KE or NC after tumor induction. We confirmed that KE was able to acutely and chronically increase ketone body abundance in the serum compared to NC. However, the restoration of ketones in the circulation was not able to improve body weight maintenance or survival in male or female mice with lung cancer. Finally, we investigated PPARα activity in the liver of mice fed KE and NC and found that animals fed a ketone ester supplement showed a significant increase in mRNA expression of several PPARα targets. These data negate our initial hypothesis and suggest that restoring ketone body availability in the circulation of mice with lung cancer does not alter cachexia development or improve survival, despite increasing hepatic PPARα activity.

Skeletal Muscle Change During Neoadjuvant Therapy and Its Impact on Prognosis in Patients With Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Gastrointestinal cancers are the most common malignant tumors worldwide. As the improvement of survival by surgical resection alone for cancers is close to the bottleneck, recent neoadjuvant therapy has been emphasized and applied in the treatment. Despite the advantage on improving the prognosis, some studies have reported neoadjuvant therapy could reduce skeletal muscle and therefore affect postoperative outcomes. However, the conclusions are still controversial.

Methods

PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to September 2, 2021. The inclusion criteria were observational studies, published in English, of individuals aged ≥18 years who underwent neoadjuvant therapy with gastrointestinal cancers and were assessed skeletal muscle mass before and after neoadjuvant therapy, with sufficient data on skeletal muscle change or the association with clinical outcomes. Meta-analysis was conducted by using the STATA 12.0 package when more than two studies reported the same outcome.

Results

A total of 268 articles were identified, and 19 studies (1,954 patients) were included in the review. The fixed effects model showed that the risk of sarcopenia increased 22% after receiving neoadjuvant therapy (HR=1.22, 95% CI 1.14, 1.31, Z=4.286, P&lt;0.001). In the random effects model, neoadjuvant therapy was associated with skeletal muscle loss, with a standardized mean difference of -0.20 (95% CI -0.31, -0.09, Z=3.49, P&lt;0.001) and a significant heterogeneity (I2 =62.2%, P&lt;0.001). Multiple meta regression indicated that population, neoadjuvant therapy type, and measuring tool were the potential sources of heterogeneity. The funnel plot revealed that there was no high publication bias in these studies (Begg’s test, P=0.544) and the sensitivity analysis showed stable results when separately excluding studies. For the postoperative outcomes, the results revealed that muscle loss during neoadjuvant therapy was significantly related to overall survival (HR=2,08, 95% CI =1.47, 2.95, Z=4.12, P&lt;0.001, I2 = 0.0%), but not related to disease-free survival and other short-term outcomes.

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that skeletal muscle decreased significantly during neoadjuvant therapy in patients with gastrointestinal cancers and skeletal muscle loss was strongly associated with worse overall survival. More high-quality studies are needed to update and valid these conclusions in a more specific or stratified way.

Systematic Review Registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/], identifier PROSPERO (CRD42021292118)

Sarcopenia Predicts Relevant Clinical Outcomes in Biliary Tract Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to analyze the influences of sarcopenia on clinical outcomes in patients with biliary tract cancer (BTC). A systematic literature search was performed in November 2021. Some studies that reported the impacts of sarcopenia on the prognosis of patients with BTC were included. The overall hazard ratios (HRs), overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and odds ratio (OR) for major postoperative complications were calculated using a fixed- or random effects. In the 18 studies, 3261 patients were enrolled for analysis. Based on defining sarcopenia by muscle mass, sarcopenia predicted OS, and based on defining sarcopenia by muscle density, HR was 2.10 (95% CI 1.72-2.56) and HR was 2.12 (95% CI 1.46- 3.10). Patients with sarcopenia had poorer RFS, and HR was 2.18 (95% CI 1.75-2.71). The incidence rate of major postoperative complication increased compared with those without sarcopenia (OR, 1.45; 95% Cl, 1.07-1.96). Sarcopenia is an independent risk factor for poor OS and RFS in patients with BTC. Sarcopenia is associated with the occurrence of major postoperative complications. This study provides advice that clinicians should provide importance to the assessment of skeletal muscle status and provide suitable nutritional supports and exercise program to reduce the sarcopenia in patients with BTC.

Is CT-based body composition associated with long-term chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in colorectal cancer survivors?

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors, and the severity is mainly dependent on the chemotherapy dose. Nowadays, chemotherapy dose is based on body surface area, while determination based on more accurate measures of body composition may be better. This study aimed to investigate the association between body composition and long-term CIPN among CRC survivors 2-11 years after diagnosis.

METHODS

Data from CRC survivors from the population-based PROFILES registry were used. Survivors were included when they received chemotherapy, filled in the EORTC QLQ-CIPN20, and had a computed tomography (CT) scan at diagnosis (n = 202). Total, sensory, motor, and autonomic CIPN were based upon the EORTC QLQ-CIPN20. The abdominal CT scans were used to determine skeletal muscle index (SMI), skeletal muscle density (SMD), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and total adipose tissue (TAT). Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between CIPN outcomes and body composition variables.

RESULTS

CIPN was experienced by 64% of the CRC survivors several years after chemotherapy. More SAT was associated with a higher odds of reporting total CIPN (OR = 1.01 95% CI 1.00-1.01, p = 0.01), motor CIPN (OR = 1.01 95% CI 1.00-1.01, p = 0.01), and sensory CIPN (OR = 1.01 95% CI 1.00-1.01, p = 0.04). No associations of other body composition parameters with CIPN were observed.

CONCLUSION

Only SAT was associated with total, motor, and sensory CIPN. Based on these results, we cannot conclude that determining the chemotherapy dose based on body composition is preferred over determining the chemotherapy dose based on body surface to prevent CIPN. More research is needed to assess associations of body composition with CIPN, a common side effect of chemotherapy.

Sarcopenia and systemic inflammation are associated with decreased survival after cytoreductive nephrectomy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

This study was aimed at assessing the associations of sarcopenia, muscle density, adiposity, and inflammation with overall survival (OS) after cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) for metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

METHODS

In all, 158 patients undergoing CN from 2001 to 2014 had digitized preoperative imaging for tissue segmentation via Slice-O-Matic software (version 5.0) at the mid-L3 level. The skeletal muscle index was calculated with the skeletal muscle area (cm² ) normalized for height (m² ), and the skeletal muscle density (SMD) was calculated with average Hounsfield units. Adiposity was measured with the cross-sectional area (cm² ) of visceral, subcutaneous, and intramuscular adiposity compartments and was similarly normalized for height. The average fat density was obtained in Hounsfield units. OS was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Associations between body composition, inflammation metrics, and relevant clinicopathology and OS were assessed with univariable and multivariate Cox analyses.

RESULTS

Seventy-six of the 158 patients (48%) were sarcopenic. Sarcopenia was associated with elevated neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios (NLRs; P = .02), increased age (P = .001), lower body mass indices (P = .009), greater modified Motzer scores (P = .019), and lower SMD (P = .006). The median OS was 15.0 and 29.4 months for sarcopenic and nonsarcopenic patients, respectively (P = .04). Elevated inflammation (NLR or C-reactive protein), in addition to sarcopenia, was independently associated with OS, with an elevated NLR ≥ 3.5 and sarcopenia associated with the poorest OS at 10.2 months. No associations were observed between measurements of muscle density or adiposity and OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia and measures of high systemic inflammation are additively associated with inferior OS after CN and may be of use in preoperative risk stratification.

LAY SUMMARY

Body composition and sarcopenia (a deficiency in skeletal musculature) have been shown to affect outcomes in cancer. We found that sarcopenic patients had poor survival in comparison with nonsarcopenic patients in the setting of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Patients with both elevated inflammation and sarcopenia had the poorest survival. Sarcopenia is an objective measure of nutrition that can assist in therapeutic counseling and decision-making for individualized treatment in mRCC.

Exercise-Based Interventions to Counteract Skeletal Muscle Mass Loss in People with Cancer: Can We Overcome the Odds?

Addressing skeletal muscle mass loss is an important focus in oncology research to improve clinical outcomes, including cancer treatment tolerability and survival. Exercise is likely a necessary component of muscle-mass-preserving interventions for people with cancer. However, randomized controlled trials with exercise that include people with cancer with increased susceptibility to more rapid and severe muscle mass loss are limited. The aim of the current review is to highlight features of cancer-related skeletal muscle mass loss, discuss the impact in patients most at risk, and describe the possible role of exercise as a management strategy. We present current gaps within the exercise oncology literature and offer several recommendations for future studies to support research translation, including (1) utilizing accurate and reliable body composition techniques to assess changes in skeletal muscle mass, (2) incorporating comprehensive assessments of patient health status to allow personalized exercise prescription, (3) coupling exercise with robust nutritional recommendations to maximize the impact on skeletal muscle outcomes, and (4) considering key exercise intervention features that may improve exercise efficacy and adherence. Ultimately, the driving forces behind skeletal muscle mass loss are complex and may impede exercise tolerability and efficacy. Our recommendations are intended to foster the design of high-quality patient-centred research studies to determine whether exercise can counteract muscle mass loss in people with cancer and, as such, improve knowledge on this topic.

Handgrip Strength, Overhydration and Nutritional Status as a Predictors of Gastrointestinal Toxicity in Cervical Cancer Patients. A Prospective Study

Background: Antineoplastic treatments produce adverse events (AE) such as gastrointestinal toxicity. These AE can reduce nutritional intake and promote weight and muscle mass loss. Objective: To determine if body composition, nutritional status, or muscle function predicts gastrointestinal toxicity during chemotherapy in cervical cancer (CC) patients. Methods: Women with CC were studied. Nutritional status was evaluated according to PG-SGA, and body composition was measured with bioimpedance. Toxicity was graded according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). Results: A total of 207 women, 81 with toxicity and 126 without toxicity groups, were studied. Patients in the toxicity group had less handgrip strength (17.7 ± 5.0 vs. 20.3 ± 5.0 p = 0.0004); phase angle (5.2 ± 1.1 vs. 5.9 ± 1.0, p = 0.0065); higher prevalence of sarcopenia (35.9% vs. 20.6%, p = 0.016); overhydration (25.9% vs. 6.3% p < 0.001); and PG-SGA C (14.1% vs. 4.0%, p < 0.001) when compared to patients without toxicity. Handgrip strength (HR: 0.93, 95% CI 0.88-0.98, p = 0.028), overhydration (HR: 2.82, 95% CI 1.22-6.51, p = 0.015) and been severely malnourished according to PG-PGA (HR: 3.6, 95%CI 1.46-9.2, p < 0.001) were associated with the risk to present gastrointestinal toxicity. Conclusion: handgrip strength, overhydration, and severe malnutrition are independent risk factors to the presence of gastrointestinal toxicity in CC patients.

Sarcopenia and long-term survival outcomes after local therapy for colorectal liver metastasis: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is defined as either low pre-operative muscle mass or low muscle density on abdominal CT imaging. It has been associated with worse short-term outcomes after surgery for colorectal liver metastases. This study aimed to evaluate whether sarcopenia also impacts long-term survival outcomes in these patients.

METHODS

A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were included, ten reporting on the impact of low muscle mass and four on low muscle density. Sample sizes ranged between 47 and 539 (2124 patients in total). Altogether, 897 (42%) patients were considered sarcopenic, although definitions varied between studies. Median follow-up was 21-74 months. Low muscle mass (hazard ration (HR) 1.35, 95%CI 1.08-1.68) and low muscle density (HR 1.97, 95%CI 1.07-3.62) were associated with impaired OS. Low muscle mass (pooled HR 1.17, 95%CI 0.94-1.46) and low muscle density (pooled HR 1.13, 95%CI 0.85-1.50) were not associated with impaired RFS.

DISCUSSION

Sarcopenia is associated with poorer OS, but not RFS, in patients with CRLM. Additional studies with standardized sarcopenia definitions are needed to better assess the impact of sarcopenia in patients with CRLM.

Impact of skeletal muscle mass in patients with unresectable gastric cancer who received palliative first-line chemotherapy based on 5-fluorouracil

BACKGROUND

The mortality rate of patients with unresectable gastric cancer (UGC) has decreased with the development of chemotherapies and surgical techniques. However, the survival rate remains low. We retrospectively examined the prognostic significance of the pretreatment skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and nutritional and inflammatory factors in patients with UGC.

METHODS

This study included 83 patients diagnosed with UGC at Tottori University Hospital who received palliative chemotherapy based on 5-fluorouracil. Pretreatment computed tomography (CT) measured overall skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and cross-sectional SMM at the third lumbar vertebra (L3). We focused on the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) as nutritional and inflammatory factors.

RESULTS

Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed for median survival time (MST) after palliative chemotherapy. SMIs for males and females (43.9 cm²/m² and 34.7 cm²/m², respectively) were the cutoff values, and patients were divided into high (SMI^High; n = 41) and low SMI groups (SMI^Low; n = 42). Body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in patients in the SMI^High group than in the SMI^Low group (p < 0.001). The number of patients who received third-line chemotherapy was significantly higher in the SMI^High group than in the SMI^Low group (p = 0.037). The MST was significantly higher in the SMI^High group than in the SMI^Low group (17.3 vs. 13.8 months; p = 0.008). The incidence of grade 3 or 4 side effects was significantly higher in patients with SMI^Low UGC (p = 0.028). NLR was significantly higher in patients with SMI^Low than it was in those with SMI^High. (p = 0.047). In the univariate analysis, performance status, SMI, histological type, lines of chemotherapy, and NLR were prognostic indicators. The multivariate analysis identified SMI (p = 0.037), NLR (p = 0.002), and lines of chemotherapy (p < 0.001) as independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The SMI^Low group had significantly more grade 3 or 4 side effects, were related to high NLR, and had a significantly worse prognosis than the SMI^High group.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Retrospectively registerd.

Influence of sarcopenia, clinical data, and 2-[18F] FDG PET/CT in outcome prediction of patients with early-stage adenocarcinoma esophageal cancer

PURPOSE

To determine the prognostic value of sarcopenia measurements done on staging 2-[18F] FDG PET/CT together with metabolic activity of the tumor in patients with adenocarcinoma esophagogastric cancer with surgical treatment.

METHODS

Patients with early-stage, surgically treated esophageal adenocarcinoma and available pre-treatment 2-[18F] FDG PET/CT were included. The standard uptake value (SUV) and SUV normalized by lean body mass (SUL) were recorded. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) was measured at the L3 level on the CT component of the PET/CT. Sarcopenia was defined as SMI < 34.4cm²/m² in women and < 45.4cm²/m² in men.

RESULTS

Of the included 145 patients. 30% were sarcopenic at baseline. On the univariable Cox proportional hazards analysis, ECOG, surgical T and N staging, lymphovascular invasion (LVI) positive lymph nodes, and sarcopenia were significant prognostic factors concerning RFS and OS. On multivariable Cox regression analysis, surgical N staging (p = 0.025) and sarcopenia (p = 0.022) remained significant poor prognostic factors for OS and RFS. Combining the clinical parameters with the imaging-derived nutritional evaluation of the patient but not metabolic parameters of the tumor showed improved predictive ability for OS and RFS.

CONCLUSION

Combining the patients' imaging-derived sarcopenic status with standard clinical data, but not metabolic parameters, offered an overall improved prognostic value concerning OS and RFS.

Prognostic Impact of Sarcopenia in Patients With Biliary Tract Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy

AIM

Sarcopenia affects the treatment of various cancer types but its impact on chemotherapy efficacy and prognosis in biliary tract cancer remains unclear. Thus, we evaluated whether sarcopenia independently affects the outcome of chemotherapy for biliary tract cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data of 50 patients who underwent chemotherapy for biliary tract cancer at two affiliated centres were retrospectively analysed. The association of clinical factors, including sarcopenia, with overall survival and time to treatment failure was analysed.

RESULTS

Sarcopenia was an independent factor negatively influencing overall survival and time to treatment failure in univariate and multivariate analyses (median overall survival, sarcopenic vs. non-sarcopenic patients: 10.6 vs. 16.6 months; hazard ratio=2.19, p=0.018; time to treatment failure: 5.3 vs. 13.1 months, hazard ratio=2.50, p=0.019).

CONCLUSION

Sarcopenia may affect the efficacy of chemotherapy and prognosis in biliary tract cancer. Thus, improving sarcopenia may improve the prognosis of patients with biliary tract cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

An exploratory study of body composition as a predictor of dose-limiting toxicity in metastatic pancreatic cancer treated with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel

BACKGROUND

Body composition is increasingly being studied as a method of predicting chemotherapy toxicity. Our study aimed to evaluate associations of body composition with treatment toxicity in a group of pancreatic cancer patients treated with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed for all patients who received first-line gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel for metastatic pancreatic cancer at a northern Alberta cancer institute (Canada) from 2014 to 2017. Total lean body mass (LBM) was derived from measurements of muscle surface area at L3 on baseline computed tomography (CT) scans. Optimal stratification, or minimal p-value analysis, was used to assess for a threshold of nab-paclitaxel dose per LBM (mg/kg) associated with a higher risk of dose-limiting toxicity (DLT).

RESULTS

152 patients were included in the study, of whom 62 (40.8%) experienced DLT. nab-Paclitaxel dose/LBM ranged from 0.98 to 8.76 mg/kg. A threshold for nab-paclitaxel dose/LBM that optimally predicted risk of DLT was identified at 5.83 mg/kg. Above this cut-off, 18/31 (58.1%) patients experienced DLT, compared to 44/121 (36.4%) patients below (p = 0.028). Patients above this cut-off had a higher incidence of peripheral neuropathy compared to those below, though this was not statistically significant based on an adjusted p-value threshold (48.4 vs. 29.8% respectively, p = 0.050). Body mass index, body surface area, and absolute initial doses of nab-paclitaxel or gemcitabine did not significantly impact likelihood of DLT.

CONCLUSIONS

nab-Paclitaxel dose normalized to LBM, based on CT-derived measures of skeletal muscle, has potential to predict risk of chemotherapy toxicity. Chemotherapy dosing based on body composition, rather than conventional anthropometric measures, may be effective in reducing treatment toxicity.

Curative Radiotherapy in Elderly Patients With Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: The Prognostic Role of Sarcopenia

BACKGROUND/AIM

To evaluate the impact of sarcopenia in muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) elderly patients submitted to curative radiotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients received radiotherapy between 2013 and 2018, and the skeletal muscle index was calculated to classify them as sarcopenic or non-sarcopenic. Primary endpoints were overall survival (OS), cancer specific survival (CSS), 90-day mortality and toxicity.

RESULTS

A total of 28 patients with a median age of 85 years met our inclusion criteria and 8 of them were sarcopenic. With a median prescribed dose of 61 Gy and a median follow-up of 24.5 months, OS rates in the sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic groups were 100% and 84.4% at 3 months, 57.1% and 56.6% at 12 months, 38.1% and 50.3% at 24 months and 38.1% and 33.5% at 48 months, respectively; the CSS rates were 100% and 94.1% at 3 months and 68.6% and 88.2% at 12, 24 and 48 months, respectively. The actuarial 90-day mortality rate was 17.9% for the whole cohort, and 20% and 12.5% for the non-sarcopenic and sarcopenic groups, respectively. The radio-induced toxicity was similar in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Sarcopenia cannot be considered a negative prognostic factor for MIBC elderly patients treated with external beam radiotherapy. Irradiation is therefore a feasible and effective choice for these patients, especially if unfit for surgery.

Impact of skeletal muscle mass in patients with recurrent gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

We retrospectively examined the relationship among skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), prognosis, and chemotherapy side effects in patients with recurrent gastric cancer (RGC).

METHODS

Sixty-seven patients who developed recurrence after undergoing curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer at Tottori University Hospital and received palliative chemotherapy were included in this study. Pretreatment computed tomography was performed to measure the skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and cross-sectional SMM at the third lumbar vertebra. We focused on haematologic toxicity (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anaemia), febrile neutropenia, and gastrointestinal toxicity (diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomatitis) as the side effects of chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Median SMIs for males and females (43.9 and 34.7 cm²/m², respectively) were used as cutoff values. The patients were classified into high (SMI^High; n = 34) and low SMI groups (SMI^Low; n = 33). The SMI^Low group included more patients treated with monotherapy (P = 0.016) compared with the SMI^High group, had a significantly lower number of chemotherapy lines (P = 0.049), and had a significantly higher incidence of grade 3 or 4 side effects (P = 0.010). The median survival rate was significantly higher in the SMI^High group (17.8 vs 15.8 months; P = 0.034). In the univariate analysis, body mass index, SMI, histological type, and prognostic nutritional index were identified as prognostic indicators. The multivariate analysis identified SMI (P = 0.037) and histological type (P = 0.028) as independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of grade 3 or 4 side effects was significantly higher in patients with SMI^Low RGC. SMI was a useful prognostic marker of RGC.

Sarcopenia and serum biomarkers of oxidative stress after a 6-month physical activity intervention in women with metastatic breast cancer: results from the ABLE feasibility trial

Purpose

Sarcopenia has been identified as an important prognostic factor for patients with cancer. This study aimed at exploring the potential associations between a 6-month physical activity intervention and muscle characteristics, sarcopenia, oxidative stress and toxicities in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Methods

Women newly diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (N = 49) participated in an unsupervised, personalized, 6-month physical activity intervention with activity tracker. Computerized tomography images at the third lumbar vertebra were analysed at baseline, three months and six months to assess sarcopenia (muscle mass index < 40 cm²/m²) and muscle quality (poor if muscle attenuation < 37.8 Hounsfield Units). Oxidative markers included plasma antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities), prooxidant enzymes (NADPH oxidase and myeloperoxidase activities) and oxidative stress damage markers (advanced oxidation protein products, malondialdehyde (MDA) and DNA oxidation.

Results

At baseline 53% (mean age 55 years (SD 10.41)) were sarcopenic and 75% had poor muscle quality. Muscle cross sectional area, skeletal muscle radiodensity, lean body mass remained constant over the six months (p = 0.75, p = 0.07 and p = 0.75 respectively), but differed significantly between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic patients at baseline and 6-months. Sarcopenic patients at baseline were more likely to have an increase of MDA (p = 0.02) at 6 months. Being sarcopenic during at least one moment during the 6-month study was associated with a higher risk of developing severe toxicities (grade > 2) (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

This study suggests potential benefits of physical activity for maintenance of muscle mass. Sarcopenia can alter many parameters and disturb the pro and antioxidant balance.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10549-021-06238-z.

Beyond the Guidelines: The Grey Zones of the Management of Gastric Cancer. Consensus Statements from the Gastric Cancer Italian Network (GAIN)

BACKGROUND

Management of gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma remains challenging, because of the heterogeneity in tumor biology within the upper gastrointestinal tract. Daily clinical practice is full of grey areas regarding the complexity of diagnostic, staging, and therapeutic procedures. The aim of this paper is to provide a guide for clinicians facing challenging situations in routine practice, taking a multidisciplinary consensus approach based on available literature.

METHODS

The GAIN (GAstric cancer Italian Network) group was established with the aims of reviewing literature evidence, discussing key issues in prevention, diagnosis, and management of gastric and GEJ adenocarcinoma, and offering a summary of statements. A Delphi consensus method was used to obtain opinions from the expert panel of specialists.

RESULTS

Forty-nine clinical questions were identified in six areas of interest: role of multidisciplinary team; risk factors; diagnosis; management of early gastric cancer and multimodal approach to localized gastric cancer; treatment of elderly patients with locally advanced resectable disease; and treatment of locally advanced and metastatic cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

The statements presented may guide clinicians in practical management of this disease.

Handgrip strength is a comorbidity marker in systemic necrotizing vasculitides and predicts the risk of fracture and serious adverse events

OBJECTIVE

Sarcopenia has been associated with poor outcomes in various medical and surgical conditions. However, its impact in systemic necrotizing vasculitides (SNV) had never been characterized. We aimed to assess the prevalence, associated factors and prognostic impact of sarcopenia in SNV.

METHODS

Patients with SNV were successively included in a prospective longitudinal study assessing comorbidities. At inclusion, we evaluated sarcopenia by assessing skeletal muscle mass index using DXA and muscle strength using handgrip strength. Vasculitis and treatments-related events were recorded and analysed using Cox models.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty patients were included. At inclusion, low handgrip strength (<30 kg for men and 20 kg for women) was identified in 28 (23%) patients, while no patient exhibited low skeletal muscle mass index (<7.23 kg/m2 for men and 5.67 kg/m2 for women). Low handgrip strength was associated with age (P <0.0001), type of vasculitis (P =0.01), vasculitis damage index (P =0.01), history of falls (P =0.0002), osteoporosis (P =0.04), low serum albumin (P =0.003) and prealbumin (P =0.0007), high CRP (P =0.001), high FRAX® tool (P =0.002) and low bone mineral density at femoral neck (P =0.0002). After median follow-up of 42 months, low handgrip strength was associated with higher risk of bone fracture [HR 4.25 (1.37-13.2), P =0.01] and serious adverse events [HR 2.80 (1.35-5.81), P =0.006].

CONCLUSION

Handgrip strength is associated in SNV with nutritional status and comorbidities such as bone disease, and seems to predict, as in other medical conditions, the risk of fracture and serious adverse events during follow-up. In contrast, assessment of skeletal muscle mass index in this population remains uncertain.

Clinical effect of enteral nutrition support during neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the preservation of skeletal muscle mass in patients with esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Reductions in skeletal muscle mass during neoadjuvant therapy can have a negative effect on short- and long-term outcomes in patients with esophageal cancer. However, effective treatment for suppressing reductions in skeletal muscle mass during neoadjuvant therapy has not been established.

METHODS

Eighty-seven patients were included in this study who were enrolled in a previous randomized study comparing the effects of enteral nutrition (EN) and parenteral nutrition (PN) on chemotherapy-related toxicities during neoadjuvant chemotherapy in esophageal cancer patients. Changes in skeletal muscle mass during neoadjuvant therapy were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) decreased from 45.8 cm²/m² before treatment to 43.7 cm²/m² after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in 87 patients (p = 0.092). The total calorie intake during neoadjuvant therapy was equal between the two groups. SMI reduction was significantly smaller in the EN group than in the PN group (-1.4 cm²/m² vs -3.0 cm²/m (Gebski et al., 2007) [2], p < 0.001). EN support was identified as the only independent factor adversely associated with severe SMI reduction (p < 0.001). Patients with low SMI after neoadjuvant chemotherapy were more susceptible to postoperative complications than patients with moderate SMI (47.6% vs 16.7%, p = 0.007), especially pulmonary complications (31.8% vs 10.8%, p = 0.003). Patients with low SMI after neoadjuvant chemotherapy tended to show worse prognosis than patients with moderate SMI (5-year overall survival rate: 43.8% vs 62.1%, p = 0.194).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with PN support, EN support during neoadjuvant chemotherapy suppressed reductions in skeletal muscle mass in patients with esophageal cancer.

Pathophysiological mechanisms explaining poor clinical outcome of older cancer patients with low skeletal muscle mass

Low skeletal muscle mass is highly prevalent in older cancer patients and affects 5% to 89% depending on the type and stage of cancer. Low skeletal muscle mass is associated with poor clinical outcomes such as post-operative complications, chemotherapy toxicity and mortality in older cancer patients. Little is known about the mediating pathophysiological mechanisms. In this review, we summarize proposed pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the association between low skeletal muscle mass and poor clinical outcomes in older cancer patients including a) systemic inflammation; b) insulin-dependent glucose handling; c) mitochondrial function; d) protein status and; e) pharmacokinetics of anticancer drugs. The mechanisms of altered myokine balance negatively affecting the innate and adaptive immune system, and altered pharmacokinetics of anticancer drugs leading to a relative overdosage of anticancer drugs are best-substantiated. The effects of glucose intolerance and circulating mitochondrial DNA as a consequence of low skeletal muscle mass are topics of interest for future research. Restoring myokine balance through physical exercise, exercise mimetics, neuro-muscular activation and adapting anticancer drug dosing on skeletal muscle mass could be targeted approaches to improve clinical outcomes in older cancer patients with low skeletal muscle mass.

Protein Recommendation to Increase Muscle (PRIMe): Study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial investigating the feasibility of a high protein diet to halt loss of muscle mass in patients with colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Severe muscle mass (MM) loss is a defining feature of cancer observed across all types and stages of disease and is an independent predictor of poor clinical outcomes including higher incidences of chemotherapy toxicity and decreased survival. Protein is essential to build MM, yet the optimal amount for preventing or treating muscle loss in patients with cancer remains undefined.

METHODS

The Protein Recommendation to Increase Muscle (PRIMe) study is a single-center, two-armed, parallel, randomized, controlled pilot trial that assesses the feasibility of utilizing a high protein (HP) diet to positively impact clinical outcomes in people undergoing chemotherapy to treat colorectal cancer. Forty patients with newly diagnosed stage II-IV colorectal cancer who are scheduled to receive chemotherapy will be included. Participants are randomly assigned to a HP or normal protein (NP) diet for twelve weeks. The HP and NP groups receive nutrition recommendations to achieve 2.0 g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day (g∙kg^-1∙d^-1) and 1.0 g⋅kg^-1⋅d^-1, respectively. These values refer to the upper and lower recommended range of protein intake for people with cancer. Energy recommendations are based on measured energy expenditure. Assessments are completed within two weeks of starting chemotherapy (baseline), at week 6, and at week 12. Changes to skeletal MM, physical function, anthropometrics, body composition, muscle strength, physical activity, energy metabolism, metabolic markers, nutritional status, quality of life, readiness to change and psychosocial determinants of behavioural change are assessed between the HP and NP groups. Feasibility of the nutritional intervention is assessed by change in MM as a surrogate marker.

CONCLUSIONS

This evidence-based study investigates the feasibility of increasing protein intake following a diagnosis of cancer on clinical outcomes during treatment for colorectal cancer. This study will inform larger trials assessing the impact of increasing protein intake in cancer to determine their importance and integration into standard clinical care for people with cancer.

Impact of postoperative reduced skeletal muscle on prognosis after recurrence in gastric cancer

Little is known about the association between sarcopenia development after gastrectomy and gastric cancer prognosis after recurrence. The present study retrospectively examined the effects of decreased psoas muscle index (PMI) on post-recurrence prognosis after gastrectomy. A total of 67 patients with gastric cancer recurrence were included in the present study. PMI at pre-operation and recurrence were calculated, and 25 patients whose PMI reduction rate value was lower than the cutoff values (male=0.766 and female=0.704) were classified into the sarcopenia group and 42 patients into the non-sarcopenia group. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding age, sex, pathological stage, and nutrition and inflammation indices at the time of recurrence. Post-recurrence overall survival (OS) was significantly shorter in the sarcopenia group compared with the non-sarcopenia group (P<0.001). The post-recurrence survival rate was significantly worse in the sarcopenia group compared with the non-sarcopenia group (P<0.001). In multivariate analysis, sarcopenia (HR=5.04) and the total courses of chemotherapy after recurrence (HR=3.88) were independent unfavorable prognostic factors. In conclusion, sarcopenia and fewer total courses of post-recurrence chemotherapy were poor prognostic factors after gastric cancer recurrence. To improve prognosis, preventing sarcopenia development after gastrectomy is required.

Sarcopenia: looking to muscle mass to better manage pancreatic cancer patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Overall survival of patients with pancreatic cancer is strongly conditioned by tumor biology and the incidence of malnutrition and metabolic disorders. In this landscape, the assessment of body composition is crucial to properly manage the clinical implications of muscle wasting. The pathogenesis of this condition is the result of a complex interplay between cancer and the host. In particular, sarcopenia is induced by an inadequate nutritional intake, hormonal abnormalities, inflammation and imbalance between anabolic and catabolic pathways.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent evidences have highlighted the role of sarcopenia in cancer patients, revealing a prognostic impact on morbidity, mortality and survival.

SUMMARY

The occurrence of sarcopenia could amplify chemotherapy-induced toxicities, prolong hospitalizations and reduce adherence to anticancer treatment, worsening quality of life and survival. Although considerable efforts have been made to develop treatment strategies, no effective interventions have been identified so far. Nevertheless, if promptly and adequately supported, pancreatic cancer might benefit from adopted dietary intervention to avoid further loss of lean mass.

Skeletal Muscle Mass Loss During Cancer Treatment: Differences by Race and Cancer Site

OBJECTIVES

To examine skeletal muscle mass change in a racially diverse sample of patients undergoing cancer treatment, determine significant predictors of muscle mass loss, and explore the interaction of race and cancer site.

SAMPLE & SETTING

A retrospective analysis was conducted for 212 patients seeking treatment at a university hospital clinic.

METHODS & VARIABLES

Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was determined by computed tomography at the time of cancer diagnosis and with cancer treatment.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-four patients (63%) had SMI loss with cancer treatment. Race and cancer site were found to be significant predictors of SMI loss. Compared to other racial groups, non-Hispanic Black (NHB) patients had the greatest SMI loss (p < 0.001) with cancer treatment. NHB patients with rectal cancer experienced the greatest SMI loss compared to patients of other races and cancer types.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

To improve survivorship care for patients with cancer, it is essential to develop strategies for assessing and managing skeletal muscle mass loss throughout treatment, particularly for NHB patients with rectal cancer.

Monitoring Response to Home Parenteral Nutrition in Adult Cancer Patients

Current guidelines recommend home parenteral nutrition (HPN) for cancer patients with chronic deficiencies of dietary intake or absorption when enteral nutrition is not adequate or feasible in suitable patients. HPN has been shown to slow down progressive weight loss and improve nutritional status, but limited information is available on the monitoring practice of cancer patients on HPN. Clinical management of these patients based only on nutritional status is incomplete. Moreover, some commonly used clinical parameters to monitor patients (weight loss, body weight, body mass index, and oral food intake) do not accurately reflect patient’s body composition, while bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a validated tool to properly assess nutritional status on a regular basis. Therefore, patient’s monitoring should rely on other affordable indicators such as Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) and modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) to also assess patient’s functional status and prognosis. Finally, catheter-related complications and quality of life represent crucial issues to be monitored over time. The purpose of this narrative review is to describe the role and relevance of monitoring cancer patients on HPN, regardless of whether they are receiving anticancer treatments. These practical tips may be clinically useful to better guide healthcare providers in the nutritional care of these patients.

Sarcopenia in patients with colorectal cancer: A comprehensive review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer globally and the second cancer in terms of mortality. The prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with CRC ranges between 12%-60%. Sarcopenia comes from the Greek "sarx" for flesh, and "penia" for loss. Sarcopenia is considered a phenomenon of the aging process and precedes the onset of frailty (primary sarcopenia), but sarcopenia may also result from pathogenic mechanisms and that disorder is termed secondary sarcopenia. Sarcopenia diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of low muscle quantity or quality. Three parameters need to be measured: muscle strength, muscle quantity and physical performance. The standard method to evaluate muscle mass is by analyzing the tomographic total cross-sectional area of all muscle groups at the level of lumbar 3rd vertebra. Sarcopenia may negatively impact on the postoperative outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer undergoing surgical resection. It has been described an association between sarcopenia and numerous poor short-term CRC outcomes like increased perioperative mortality, postoperative sepsis, prolonged length of stay, increased cost of care and physical disability. Sarcopenia may also negatively impact on overall survival, disease-free survival, recurrence-free survival, and cancer-specific survival in patients with non-metastatic and metastatic colorectal cancer. Furthermore, patients with sarcopenia seem prone to toxic effects during chemotherapy, requiring dose deescalations or treatment delays, which seems to reduce treatment efficacy. A multimodal approach including nutritional support (dietary intake, high energy, high protein, and omega-3 fatty acids), exercise programs and anabolic-orexigenic agents (ghrelin, anamorelin), could contribute to muscle mass preservation. Addition of sarcopenia screening to the established clinical-pathological scores for patients undergoing oncological treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery) seems to be the next step for the best of care of CRC patients.

Assessment of body composition and impact of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in patients with gastric cancer

Malnutrition is a critical problem in patients with gastric cancer (GC); however, no universally accepted marker that is convenient for clinical use has been defined. Recently, body composition has attracted considerable attention as a means to assess nutrition status in patients with cancer. The clinical role of skeletal muscle mass has also been increasingly recognized. In patients with GC, sarcopenia, which is the loss of skeletal muscle mass, was found to be significantly associated with increased post-surgical complications including hospital stay, healthcare costs, and poor survival. In addition, sarcopenic obesity, which combines the health risks of obesity and sarcopenia, is recognized as a strong risk factor for poor short- and long-term outcomes following gastrectomy. The mechanism linking sarcopenia to worse postoperative outcomes remains unclear; however, skeletal muscle has been found to act as an endocrine organ that produces substances affecting the immune system. In addition, sarcopenia was reported to be associated with toxicity and termination of chemotherapy. Patients with sarcopenia may be unable to react appropriately to the stress of gastrectomy and perioperative chemotherapy. To improve the short- and long-term outcomes of patients with GC and sarcopenia, adequate energy and protein intake are necessary during resistance training. In the present study, we performed a literature review and presented a method to evaluate body composition, the relationship between skeletal muscle mass and GC, and perioperative nutrition and exercise therapy for patients with sarcopenia.

Characteristics of sarcopenia by European consensuses and a phenotype score

BACKGROUND

We aimed to assess the clinical characteristics of sarcopenia by the original and revised European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP 1 and 2), and to propose a new sarcopenia phenotype score (SPS) to improve relevance of clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Analyses were performed in 1408 older adults of the Aging Study of PyeongChang Rural Area, a community-based cohort in Korea. For sarcopenia definitions, we used EWGSOP 1, EWGSOP 2, and SPS, a new index counting number of abnormal domains among components of grip strength, gait speed, or muscle mass. Frailty status by the frailty index and the Cardiovascular Health Study frailty score was compared with sarcopenia measures. Prediction ability for composite outcome combining death and institutionalization due to functional decline was assessed among sarcopenia measures.

RESULTS

Generally, sarcopenia spectrum by both EWGSOP 1 and 2 was associated with worse functional status in parameters of geriatric assessments. However, population who were considered as sarcopenic by EWGSOP 1, but not by EWGSOP 2, showed increased risk of composite outcome and worse frailty status, compared with people who were classified as not sarcopenic by both EWGSOP 1 and 2. With SPS, dose-response relationship was observed with both frailty status and outcome prediction. Prediction for composite outcome was better in SPS than in EWGSOP 2 classification.

CONCLUSIONS

A new SPS might be used to classify sarcopenic burden in older adults to resolve possible inconsistencies in phenotype correlation and outcome prediction of EWGSOP 2 criteria.

The effect of nutritional counseling on muscle mass and treatment outcome in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS

A low muscle mass before start of treatment and loss of muscle mass during chemotherapy is related to adverse outcomes in patients with cancer. In this randomized controlled trial, the effect of nutritional counseling on change in muscle mass and treatment outcome in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer during first-line chemotherapy was studied.

METHODS

Patients scheduled for first-line chemotherapy (n = 107) were randomly assigned to individualized nutritional counseling by a dietitian (NC) or usual care (UC). NC was aimed at sufficient protein- and energy intake, supported by oral supplements or enteral feeding if indicated. Furthermore, physical activity was encouraged. Outcomes were assessed at baseline (T0) and the time of the first (T1) and second (T2) regular follow-up computed tomography scans. The proportion of patients with a clinically relevant decrease in skeletal muscle area of ≥6.0 cm², measured by computed tomography, was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included body weight, quality of life, treatment toxicity and progression free and overall survival.

RESULTS

A total of 107 patients were enrolled (mean age, 65 years (SD, 11 years), 63% male). Mean change in skeletal muscle area from T0 till T1 was -2.5 (SD, 9.5) cm², with no difference between NC versus UC (p = 0.891). The proportion of patients with a clinically relevant decrease in skeletal muscle area of ≥6.0 cm² did not differ (NC 30% versus UC 31%, p = 0.467). NC compared with UC had a significant positive effect on body weight (B coefficient 1.7, p = 0.045), progression free survival (p = 0.039) and overall survival (p = 0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

NC of patients undergoing chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer had no effect on muscle mass. However, we found that NC may increase body weight and improve progression free survival and overall survival compared to UC in this group of patients. These findings need further evaluation in future clinical trials.

CLINICAL TRIAL INFORMATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01998152; Netherlands Trial Register NTR4223.

Clinical impact of sarcopenia assessment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing treatments

Changes in body composition are associated with poor outcomes in cancer patients including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Sarcopenia, defined as the loss of skeletal muscle mass, quality and function, has been associated with a higher rate of complications and recurrences in patients with cirrhosis and HCC. The assessment of patient general status before HCC treatment, including the presence of sarcopenia, is a key-point for achieving therapy tolerability and to avoid short- and long-term complications leading to poor patients' survival. Thus, we aimed to review the current literature evaluating the role of sarcopenia assessment related to HCC treatments and to critically provide the clinicians with the most recent and valuable evidence. As a result, sarcopenia can be predictive of poor outcomes in patients undergoing liver resection, transplantation and systemic therapies, offering the chance to clinicians to improve the muscular status of these patients, especially those with high-grade sarcopenia at high risk of mortality. Further studies are needed to clarify the predictive value of sarcopenia in other HCC treatment settings and to evaluate its role as an additional staging tool for identifying the most appropriate treatment. Besides, interventional studies aiming at increasing the skeletal muscle mass for reducing complications and increasing the survival in patients with HCC are needed.

Supports and Barriers to Home-Based Physical Activity During Preoperative Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer: A Mixed-Methods Study

BACKGROUND

Physical activity and exercise appear to benefit patients receiving preoperative treatment for cancer. Supports and barriers must be considered to increase compliance with home-based exercise prescriptions in this setting. Such influences have not been previously examined.

METHODS

The authors used quantitative and qualitative methods to examine potential physical activity influences among patients who were prescribed home-based aerobic and strengthening exercises concurrent with preoperative chemotherapy or chemoradiation for pancreatic cancer. Physical activity was measured using exercise logs and accelerometers. Social support for exercise and perceived neighborhood walkability were measured using validated surveys. Relationships between influences and physical activity were evaluated using linear regression analyses and qualitative interviews.

RESULTS

Fifty patients received treatment for a mean of 16 (9) weeks prior to planned surgical resection. Social support from friends and neighborhood esthetics were positively associated with physical activity (P < .05). In interviews, patients confirmed the importance of these influences and cited encouragement from health care providers and desire to complete and recover from treatment as additional motivators.

CONCLUSIONS

Interpersonal and environmental motivators of exercise and physical activity must be considered in the design of future home-based exercise interventions designed for patients receiving preoperative therapy for cancer.

What is the most useful body composition parameter for predicting toxicities of preoperative chemotherapy for gastric cancer?

PURPOSE

Preoperative chemotherapy is an effective treatment option for resectable gastric cancer, but it is associated with various adverse events (AEs). This study aimed to identify the body composition parameters that most accurately predicted the incidence of AEs in preoperative chemotherapy for gastric cancer.

METHODS

The present study included a total of 114 patients who received preoperative chemotherapy for resectable gastric cancer. We estimated various body composition parameters using computed tomography images obtained before preoperative chemotherapy. Their associations with the incidence of hematological (grade ≥ 3) and non-hematological (grade ≥ 2) AEs were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Seventy-two of the 114 (63.2%) patients experienced hematological AEs (grade ≥ 3), specifically neutropenia in 68 (59.6%), anemia in 5 (4.9%), and thrombocytopenia in 3 (2.6%). Meanwhile, 59 patients (51.8%) experienced non-hematological AEs (grade ≥ 2), namely hypoalbuminemia in 31 (27.2%), anorexia in 24 (21.1%), and febrile neutropenia in 17 (14.9%). Multivariate analyses revealed that a low psoas muscle index (PMI) was an independent risk factor for the incidence of both hematological and non-hematological AEs.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a low PMI experienced an increased incidence of hematological and non-hematological toxicities during preoperative chemotherapy for gastric cancer. Clinicians should be aware of these risks in this population.

Epidemiology of weight loss, malnutrition and sarcopenia: A transatlantic view

Malnutrition is a common comorbidity in patients with cancer, with determinants linked to the patients, the tumor, and the treatment. Cancer malnutrition, also called cachexia, represents the chronic form of disease-related malnutrition with chronic inflammation, and strongly impairs the prognosis. Reduced muscle mass, otherwise called sarcopenia in these patients, is a feature of malnutrition and thus of cancer cachexia that may appear before weight loss, and has a strong negative effect on prognosis, as well. The reported global prevalence of loss of muscle mass is 39%, whereas the prevalence of malnutrition in important cohorts varies from 25% to 70%. This is mostly due to the very different screening and diagnostic tools used throughout the world. The recent Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition has become a consensus alternative to standardize how malnutrition may be diagnosed based on etiologic and phenotypic criteria available everywhere, from rich to poor countries. This will lead to an easier diagnosis of cancer malnutrition that itself will help us speak the same language worldwide.

Skeletal muscle mass correlates with increased toxicity during neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy in locally advanced esophageal cancer: A SAKK 75/08 substudy

Background

Sarcopenia, the critical depletion of skeletal muscle mass, is an independent prognostic factor in several tumor entities for treatment-related toxicity and survival. In esophageal cancer, there have been conflicting results regarding the value of sarcopenia as prognostic factor, which may be attributed to the heterogeneous patient populations and the retrospective nature of previous studies. The aim of our study was therefore to determine the impact of sarcopenia on prospectively collected specific outcomes in a subgroup of patients treated within the phase III study SAKK 75/08 with trimodality therapy (induction chemotherapy, radiochemotherapy and surgery) for locally advanced esophageal cancer.

Methods

Sarcopenia was assessed by skeletal muscle index at the 3rd lumbar vertebra (L3) in cross-sectional computed tomography scans before induction chemotherapy, before radiochemotherapy and after neoadjuvant therapy in a subgroup of 61 patients from four centers in Switzerland. Sarcopenia was determined by previously established cut-off values (Martin et al., PMID: 23530101) and correlated with prospectively collected outcomes including treatment-related toxicity, postoperative morbidity, treatment feasibility and survival.

Results

Using the published cut-off values, the prevalence of sarcopenia increased from 29.5% before treatment to 63.9% during neoadjuvant therapy (p < 0.001). Feasibility of neoadjuvant therapy and surgery was not different in initially sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic patients. We observed in sarcopenic patients significantly increased grade ≥ 3 toxicities during chemoradiation (83.3% vs 52.4%, p = 0.04) and a non-significant trend towards increased postoperative complications (66.7% vs 42.9%, p = 0.16). No difference in survival according to sarcopenia could be observed in this small study population.

Conclusions

Trimodality therapy in locally advanced esophageal cancer is feasible in selected patients with sarcopenia. Neoadjuvant chemoradiation increased the percentage of sarcopenia. Sarcopenic patients are at higher risk for increased toxicity during neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy and showed a non-significant trend to more postoperative morbidity.