Indonesian Journal of Cancer
Vol 13, No 3 (2019): September

Sarcopenia in Cancer Patients

Andree Kurniawan (Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pelita Harapan University, Tangerang)



Article Info

Publish Date
16 Oct 2019

Abstract

Introduction: Sarcopenia in cancer patients, especially in advanced stage, recently known as an emerging problem. Firstly, sarcopenia is found in elderly patients. The diagnosis of sarcopenia needs evaluation of muscle composition and function and physical activity. Sarcopenia will give negative impacts such as increased mortality, chemo-toxicity, and decreased quality of life. Here, we review the current evidence describing the definition, impact, risk factors, mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment of sarcopenia in cancer patients.Method: We identified 48 studies and/or review articles evaluating sarcopenia in cancer patients by searching PubMed and EMBASE databases. Results: Sarcopenia is reported across all stages and types of cancers. There is a new definition of sarcopenia that is reported in 2019 paper. The risk factors or causes of sarcopenia in cancer are complex depending on the clinical settings of each patient. SARC-F questionnaire can be used to screen cancer patients in clinical settings. The diagnostic evaluation and cut-off measurement of sarcopenia especially in cancer varied across studies. The loss of muscle mass that happens during chemotherapy will make a poor prognosis. Sarcopenia can worsen chemotherapy toxicity. Combination exercise with adequate dietary supplementation, adequate energy, and protein are important in the management of sarcopenia in cancer patients.Conclusions: Patients with cancer belong to a population at risk of developing sarcopenia before and after chemotherapy. Sarcopenia diagnosis needs the evaluation of muscle mass and muscle strength or physical performance. Physical activity exercise is the best strategy to reduce sarcopenia in cancer patients.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijoc

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

Indonesian Journal of Cancer is a peer-reviewed and open-access journal. This journal is published quarterly (in March, June, September, and December) by Dharmais Cancer Hospital - National Cancer Center. Submissions are reviewed under a broad scope of topics relevant to experimental and clinical ...