Computed Tomography-Based Body Composition Is Not Consistently Associated with Outcome in Older Patients with Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Current literature is inconsistent in the associations between computed tomography (CT)-based body composition measures and adverse outcomes in older patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Moreover, the associations with consecutive treatment modalities have not been studied. This study compared the associations of CT-based body composition measures with surgery- and chemotherapy-related complications and survival in older patients with CRC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective single-center cohort study was conducted in patients with CRC aged ≥65 years who underwent elective surgery between 2010 and 2014. Gender-specific standardized scores of preoperative CT-based skeletal muscle (SM), muscle density, intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue, IMAT percentage, SM/VAT, and body mass index (BMI) were tested for their associations with severe postoperative complications, prolonged length of stay (LOS), readmission, and dose-limiting toxicity using logistic regression and 1-year and long-term survival (range 3.7-6.6 years) using Cox regression. Bonferroni correction was applied to account for multiple testing. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 378 patients with CRC with a median age of 73.4 (interquartile range 69.5-78.4) years. Severe postoperative complications occurred in 13.0%, and 39.4% of patients died during follow-up. Dose-limiting toxicity occurred in 77.4% of patients receiving chemotherapy (n = 53). SM, muscle density, VAT, SM/VAT, and BMI were associated with surgery-related complications, and muscle density, IMAT, IMAT percentage, and SM/VAT were associated with long-term survival. After Bonferroni correction, no CT-based body composition measure was significantly associated with adverse outcomes. Higher BMI was associated with prolonged LOS. CONCLUSION: The associations between CT-based body composition measures and adverse outcomes of consecutive treatment modalities in older patients with CRC were not consistent or statistically significant. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Computed tomography (CT)-based body composition, including muscle mass, muscle density, and intermuscular, visceral, and subcutaneous adipose tissue, showed inconsistent and nonsignificant associations with surgery-related complications, dose-limiting toxicity, and overall survival in older adults with colorectal cancer. This study underscores the need to verify whether CT-based body composition measures are worth implementing in clinical practice

Single Physical Performance Measures Cannot Identify Geriatric Outpatients with Sarcopenia

10.14283/jfa.2018.19Journal of Frailty and Aging74262-26

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

SINGLE PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE MEASURES CANNOT IDENTIFY GERIATRIC OUTPATIENTS WITH SARCOPENIA

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is highly prevalent in the older population and is associated with several adverse health outcomes. Equipment to measure muscle mass and muscle strength to diagnose sarcopenia is often unavailable in clinical practice due to the related expenses while an easy physical performance measure to identify individuals who could potentially have sarcopenia is lacking. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the association between physical performance measures and definitions of sarcopenia in a clinically relevant population of geriatric outpatients. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A cross-sectional study was conducted, consisting of 140 community-dwelling older adults that were referred to a geriatric outpatient clinic. No exclusion criteria were applied. MEASUREMENTS: Physical performance measures included balance tests (side-by-side, semi-tandem and tandem test with eyes open and -closed), four-meter walk test, timed up and go test, chair stand test, handgrip strength and two subjective questions on mobility. Direct segmental multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to measure muscle mass. Five commonly used definitions of sarcopenia were applied. Diagnostic accuracy was determined by sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve. RESULTS: Physical performance measures, i.e. side-by-side test, tandem test, chair stand test and handgrip strength, were associated with at least one definition of sarcopenia. Diagnostic accuracy of these physical performance measures was poor. CONCLUSIONS: Single physical performance measures could not identify older individuals with sarcopenia, according to five different definitions of sarcopenia

Are computed tomography-based measures of specific abdominal muscle groups predictive of adverse outcomes in older cancer patients?

10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05437HELIYON61