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CT-determined low skeletal muscle index predicts poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer

  • 0Department of Geriatrics and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Cancer Medicine +

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June 26, 2024

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June 26, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Low skeletal muscle index (SMI), identified via CT scans, indicates a poorer prognosis for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. This association is particularly strong when combined with older age or advanced TNM stage, highlighting sarcopenia as a key prognostic factor.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Radiology
  • Geriatrics

Background

  • Sarcopenia, characterized by low skeletal muscle index (SMI), is common in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.
  • Computed tomography (CT)-based SMI assessment is a standard diagnostic tool for sarcopenia.
  • Existing research presents conflicting data on the prognostic value of low SMI in CRC patients.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To evaluate the prognostic significance of CT-determined low SMI in CRC patients.
  • To determine if low SMI can serve as a reliable predictor of overall survival (OS) in CRC.

Main Methods

  • Data from 464 CRC patients who underwent radical surgery were analyzed.
  • Skeletal muscle index (SMI) was calculated from CT scans at the third lumbar vertebra.
  • Univariate and multivariate analyses assessed associations between clinical factors, complications, and survival.

Main Results

  • 46.7% of patients had low SMI, correlating with older age, lower BMI, higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and higher nutritional risk screening 2002 (NRS2002) scores.
  • Low SMI was linked to increased major complications (10.9% vs. 1.3%) and longer hospital stays.
  • Low SMI independently predicted major complications and was associated with significantly worse overall survival (OS) in CRC patients.

Conclusions

  • CT-determined low SMI is a significant indicator of poor prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC).
  • The combination of low SMI with older age or advanced TNM stage further worsens overall survival.
  • Low SMI is a valuable prognostic factor for CRC patients, especially those undergoing surgery.

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