Prevalence of Cancer Cachexia Among Breast Cancer Patients in Pakistan, Assessed Using the Mini-CASCO Scoring System

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Clinical Nutrition
• Patient-Reported Outcomes

Background:

• Cancer cachexia presents a significant global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• Understanding the prevalence and impact of cachexia is vital for developing targeted interventions in breast cancer patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence, severity, and multidomain impact of cancer cachexia in Pakistani breast cancer patients.
• To utilize the validated Mini-CASCO scoring system for comprehensive cachexia assessment.

Main Methods:

• An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at Fauji Foundation Hospital (FFH), Rawalpindi.
• 134 female patients with stage I-III breast cancer receiving chemotherapy were assessed using the Mini-CASCO tool.
• Data included body composition, inflammation, anorexia, physical performance, quality of life, and biochemical markers.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of cachexia was 61.9%, with moderate cachexia being the most common severity.
• Body composition and anorexia were the most affected domains.
• Cachectic patients exhibited significantly higher inflammation, anorexia, and poorer quality of life compared to non-cachectic patients.

Conclusions:

• The high prevalence of cachexia in Pakistani breast cancer patients underscores a significant, often overlooked, burden.
• Early, structured assessment with Mini-CASCO and multimodal interventions are essential to mitigate cachexia-related morbidity and mortality.
• Multicenter, longitudinal studies are needed to inform evidence-based cachexia management strategies in LMICs.