An integrative review of cancer-related cachexia and sarcopenia: A different focus in malignant hematology

An improved understanding of cancer-related cachexia and sarcopenia among patients with hematologic malignancies can improve their health outcomes. Patients with hematologic malignancies are affected by cancer-related cachexia and sarcopenia, but this aspect of their care is rarely studied. This review aims to increase awareness and knowledge of cancer-related cachexia and sarcopenia for patients with hematologic malignancies through a comprehensive synthesis of current research.

An integrative literature review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for studies published between 2012 and 2022 using search terms of hematologic malignancies and cancer-related cachexia or sarcopenia.

Twenty-nine studies were examined with data on 5,687 patients, primarily diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

The results are grouped by themes identified in the studies of cancer-related cachexia and sarcopenia in hematologic cancers. The major themes identified were health outcomes, patient identification, transplant effects, and sex differences. Cancer-related cachexia and sarcopenia are associated with decreased overall survival and progression-free survival, similar to solid tumors. Cancer-related cachexia and sarcopenia reduce tolerance to chemotherapy and increase hematologic toxicities. With this effect, biomarkers and cachexia prognostic scores are available to improve patient identification, prognostication, and support. These affected individuals will benefit from increased awareness by the healthcare team to tailor care and mitigate the deleterious effects of the condition.