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Published on: March 21, 2021
Low Subcutaneous Adiposity and Mortality in Esophageal Cancer
Margaret J Zhou1, Luke Tseng1, Xiaotao Guo2
1Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York.
Low subcutaneous adiposity, measured by the subcutaneous adiposity tissue index (SATI), may be linked to increased mortality in esophageal cancer patients. Interventions targeting subcutaneous fat loss could potentially improve survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Body Composition Analysis
Background:
- Subcutaneous adiposity is emerging as a prognostic factor in cancer.
- The subcutaneous adiposity tissue index (SATI) quantifies subcutaneous fat.
- Its association with esophageal cancer mortality requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if SATI is associated with mortality in esophageal cancer.
- To explore the prognostic value of subcutaneous adiposity in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of a prospectively enrolled esophageal cancer cohort (2009-2015).
- CT scans used to quantify adiposity and skeletal muscle.
- Cox proportional hazards modeling assessed SATI and mortality association.
Main Results:
- Low SATI was associated with increased all-cause mortality in esophageal cancer patients.
- This association persisted even after adjusting for sarcopenia or weight loss.
- Multivariable analysis showed an attenuated but still present association.
Conclusions:
- Low subcutaneous adiposity, indicated by SATI, may be associated with higher mortality in esophageal cancer.
- Preserving subcutaneous fat may be crucial for improving survival outcomes.
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