Research Information System
in: Radiotherapy and Current Developments in Geriatric Cancers, Evrim Metcalfe, Editor, Turkiye Klinikleri, Ankara, pp.59-64, 2024
ABSTRACT
Sarcopenia is a syndrome commonly seen in older adults, characterized by the loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. The most common causes are muscle loss due to aging, malnutrition, a sedentary lifestyle, chronic diseases, and drug treatments. This syndrome is more prevalent among geriatric cancer patients, and its presence has been associated with functional impairment, increased treatment toxicity, poor prognosis, and increased mortality in cancer patients. Cancer cachexia, where weight loss and fat mass loss predominate, is also frequently seen in conjunction with sarcopenia in these patients. There are many different techniques to evaluate muscle loss in the diagnosis of sarcopenia. It is not appropriate to diagnose sarcopenia solely as a loss of muscle mass; muscle strength and physical performance should also be evaluated according to established definition criteria. A combination of nutritional intervention and physical exercise is recommended in the treatment of sarcopenia. Early diagnosis and treatment of sarcopenia is crucial, as it is a determinant of toxicity of treatment and survival in cancer patients.
Keywords: Sarcopenia; geriatrics; radiation oncology