Sarcopenic obesity in cancer.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Oncology
• Metabolic Medicine

Background:

• Sarcopenic obesity is a clinical condition combining sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass and function) and obesity (excess fat mass).
• It primarily affects older adults but is increasingly recognized in cancer patients.
• This condition is linked to adverse outcomes in cancer, including poorer treatment response, prolonged hospitalization, disability, and reduced survival.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the definitions and diagnostic criteria for sarcopenic obesity in cancer patients.
• To describe the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity across different cancer types.
• To elucidate the shared underlying mechanisms between sarcopenic obesity and carcinogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on sarcopenic obesity and cancer.
• Analysis of definitions, diagnostic criteria, and prevalence data.
• Exploration of biological mechanisms including oxidative stress, inflammation, and myokine expression.

Main Results:

• Prevalence estimates for sarcopenic obesity in cancer patients vary significantly due to differing definitions and diagnostic methods.
• Shared mechanisms such as oxidative stress, lipotoxicity, systemic inflammation, and altered myokine signaling are implicated in both sarcopenic obesity and cancer development/progression.
• Sarcopenic obesity is associated with negative clinical outcomes in cancer patients.

Conclusions:

• Standardized definitions and diagnostic criteria are needed to accurately assess sarcopenic obesity prevalence in cancer.
• Understanding the shared pathophysiological pathways is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
• Sarcopenic obesity represents a significant challenge in cancer care, impacting prognosis and treatment efficacy.