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The Association Between Body Composition and Chemotherapy-Induced Toxicity in Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review
Xavier Morgan Schlicht1, Olivia Otto1, Evelyn Hutcheon2
1Department of Surgery, Western Precinct, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
ANZ Journal of Surgery
|November 14, 2025
Summary
Body composition, including sarcopenia, shows inconsistent links to chemotherapy side effects in pancreatic cancer patients. More standardized research is needed to clarify its predictive role for personalized treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Body Composition Analysis
Background:
- The predictive value of body composition, specifically sarcopenia and adiposity, for chemotherapy toxicities and outcomes in non-metastatic pancreatic cancer is not well-defined.
- This systematic review aims to clarify the relationship between body composition metrics and chemotherapy-related outcomes in this patient population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review existing literature on the association between body composition metrics (sarcopenia, adiposity) and chemotherapy toxicities and outcomes.
- To identify gaps and inconsistencies in current research regarding body composition in non-metastatic pancreatic cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review was performed on studies utilizing CT imaging for body composition assessment in non-metastatic pancreatic cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
- Six studies met the inclusion criteria, focusing on the evaluation of sarcopenia in relation to chemotherapy toxicities.
Main Results:
- Two studies reported a significant association between body composition indices and chemotherapy toxicities.
- No clear associations were found with survival outcomes or surgical complications.
- Heterogeneity in results was attributed to variations in chemotherapy regimens, sarcopenia definitions, and body composition assessment techniques.
Conclusions:
- The role of body composition in predicting chemotherapy toxicities and outcomes in pancreatic cancer remains inconsistent.
- Significant variability in study methodologies complicates direct comparisons and definitive conclusions.
- Standardization of body composition analysis, considering ethnic variations and treatment specifics, is crucial for developing personalized treatment strategies in pancreatic cancer.
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