Association of handgrip strength and endurance with body composition in head and neck cancer patients

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a prevalent type of cancer with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Sarcopenia, a progressive skeletal muscle wasting disorder, is very prevalent in individuals with cancer and is responsible for poor clinical outcomes. This study investigated the association between demographical, anthropometric, nutritional status, tumor clinical characteristics, physical performance, and C-reactive protein and albumin levels and sarcopenia in individuals with HNSCC (n = 125; male/female ratio: 3.8/1; age: 59.38 ± 10.72 years). Sarcopenia was defined as low muscle strength and low muscle performance. Anthropometrical measurements, nutritional status, performance status, tumor characteristics, and CRP and albumin levels were analyzed using binary logistic regression models. Sarcopenia in individuals with HNSCC was more likely to occur in Individuals that exhibited low MAC (OR = 0.73 IC95% = 0.57-0.93) and MAMC (OR = 11.93, IC95% = 1.76-80.52), and high UFA (OR = 1.22, IC95% = 1.06-1.42) anthropometrical parameters, and ECOG scores > 1 (OR = 4.76, IC95% = 1.55-14.62). Early identification of anthropometric changes in appendicular muscularity and adiposity and the diagnosis of poor performance status tends to favor a prompt identification of sarcopenia in individuals with HNSCC.

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Measurement of Sarcopenia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients and Its Association With Frailty

Bree

Meerkerk

Halmos

et al. 2022

Front. Oncol.

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In head and neck cancer (HNC) there is a need for more personalized treatment based on risk assessment for treatment related adverse events (i.e. toxicities and complications), expected survival and quality of life. Sarcopenia, defined as a condition characterized by loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, can predict adverse outcomes in HNC patients. A review of the literature on the measurement of sarcopenia in head and neck cancer patients and its association with frailty was performed. Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) measurement only is often used to determine if sarcopenia is present or not. SMM is most often assessed by measuring skeletal muscle cross-sectional area on CT or MRI at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. As abdominal scans are not always available in HNC patients, measurement of SMM at the third cervical vertebra has been developed and is frequently used. Frailty is often defined as an age-related cumulative decline across multiple physiologic systems, with impaired homeostatic reserve and a reduced capacity of the organism to withstand stress, leading to increased risk of adverse health outcomes. There is no international standard measure of frailty and there are multiple measures of frailty. Both sarcopenia and frailty can predict adverse outcomes and can be used to identify vulnerable patients, select treatment options, adjust treatments, improve patient counselling, improve preoperative nutritional status and anticipate early on complications, length of hospital stay and discharge. Depending on the definitions used for sarcopenia and frailty, there is more or less overlap between both conditions. However, it has yet to be determined if sarcopenia and frailty can be used interchangeably or that they have additional value and should be used in combination to optimize individualized treatment in HNC patients.

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Association of handgrip strength and endurance with body composition in head and neck cancer patients

Cited by 4 publications

References 63 publications

Whey protein and caseinate supplementation in oncological patients undergoing elective surgery for the modification of functional capacity

Whey protein and caseinate supplementation in oncological patients undergoing elective surgery for the modification of functional capacity

Appendicular anthropometric changes and poor ECOG performance status is associated with sarcopenia in individuals with Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Measurement of Sarcopenia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients and Its Association With Frailty

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