Changes in Lean Muscle Mass, Muscle Strength, and Physical Performance Following First-Line Chemotherapy in Patients...

Lymphomas are common cancers affecting the lymphatic system. Chemotherapy is a standard treatment, yet its impact on patient's physical capacity remains understudied. This study aimed to evaluate changes in body composition, muscle strength, and physical performance in patients diagnosed with lymphoma undergoing chemotherapy and to explore the potential association between muscle function and treatment tolerability. This single-center prospective cohort study included participants aged ≥ 18 years scheduled for first-line anthracycline-based chemotherapy for aggressive lymphoma. Patients were recruited and tested before treatment and after 6 months. Body composition (DXA), hand-grip strength, 30 s Sit-To-Stand test, 10-m gait speed and Quality of Life (EORTC-QLQ-C30) were assessed. Low muscle strength, lean mass and gait speed were defined according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2). Fifty-eight patients (42 males) with a median age of 62 years (range 18-87) completed both test points and were included in the analysis. From baseline to follow-up, total lean mass decreased by 1.70 kg (95% CI -2.55 to -0.85, p = 0.0002), body fat percentage increased by 2.3% (95% CI 1.19 to 3.41, p = 0.0001), handgrip strength decreased by 1.93 kg (95% CI -3.15 to -0.71, p = 0.002), whereas Sit-To-Stand performance increased by 1.4 repetitions (95% CI 0.15 to 2.69, p = 0.03). No changes were observed in appendicular lean mass, body weight, or gait speed. Further, there was no association between changes in muscle function and treatment tolerability. Significant declines in total lean body mass and muscle strength were observed from the start of chemotherapy to 6 months post treatment. These findings underscore the importance of routine muscle function screening and rehabilitation during and after chemotherapy for patients with lymphoma.