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Updated: Jun 24, 2025
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Retrospective operationalization of allostatic load in patients with cancer: A systematic review
Emelie N McQuitty1, T Austin Black1, Morgan A Rousseau1
1John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
Psychoneuroendocrinology
|June 4, 2024
Summary
Allostatic load (AL), a measure of the body's wear and tear, impacts cancer outcomes. This review found significant variability in how AL is calculated, hindering consistent application in cancer research and patient care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Physiology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Allostatic load (AL) is linked to cancer outcomes.
- Standardized methods for calculating AL in cancer patients are lacking.
Approach:
- A systematic review identified studies calculating AL retrospectively in cancer patients.
- Data on AL calculation methods, biomarkers, biosystems, and definitions were collected.
Key Points:
- Thirteen articles were reviewed, revealing wide variation in the number of biomarkers (6-16) used.
- Significant heterogeneity exists in biomarker selection and biosystem representation.
- The definition of high AL and use of proxy biomarkers also varied across studies.
Conclusions:
- The lack of standardization in AL computation complicates retrospective analysis in oncology.
- Establishing a consistent AL calculation is crucial for optimizing cancer patient care and outcomes.
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