Abstract
SummaryGeriatric assessments, nutritional counseling and monitoring of muscle health before and during therapy are of high clinical significance in the management of elderly cancer patients. Criteria, data and cut-offs characterizing cancer-related geriatric sarcopenia are sparse and no consensus about definitions exists to date. We hence highlight a need for clinical trials focusing on sarcopenia in elderly cancer patients, based on its high prevalence and potential negative consequences on therapy outcomes, mortality, quality of life and physical mobility.
Highlights
Sarcopenia is a pathological condition appearing with advanced age and defined as a progressive decline in muscle strength due to loss of skeletal muscle mass and quality
The importance of assessing sarcopenia is indicated by the findings of numerous studies, which investigated sarcopenia as a risk-factor for increased mortality and linked it to reduced progression-free and/or overall survival (OS) in women with breast cancer [10] and ovarian cancer [11] as well as patients suffering from lung cancer [12], acute myeloid leukemia [13] or head and neck cancer [14]
It was reported that the emergence of sarcopenia in the early postoperative period in elderly esophageal cancer patients was associated with a higher risk of tumor recurrence and worse survival
Summary
The importance of assessing sarcopenia is indicated by the findings of numerous studies, which investigated sarcopenia as a risk-factor for increased mortality and linked it to reduced progression-free and/or overall survival (OS) in women with breast cancer [10] and ovarian cancer [11] as well as patients suffering from lung cancer [12], acute myeloid leukemia [13] or head and neck cancer [14]. Lee et al reported sarcopenia as an independent prognostic factor for poor OS of elderly patients with gastric cancer, exhibiting a median survival of 6.8 months compared to 10.3 months for patients without sarcopenia [15]. It was reported that the emergence of sarcopenia in the early postoperative period in elderly esophageal cancer patients was associated with a higher risk of tumor recurrence and worse survival. Aside from comparably poorer survival, sarcopenic cancer patients suffer from reduced quality of life and are more susceptible to develop depression and anxiety symptoms [21]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
