Abstract

Background

Increasing evidence indicates that loss of muscle mass is associated with adverse outcomes in metastatic colorectal cancer. Here, we investigate which demographic, lifestyle- (smoking), tumor-, and treatment-related factors are associated with muscle loss in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer during first-line palliative systemic treatment.

Methods

Data from 300 patients with computed tomography scans both at start and after six initial cycles of capecitabine plus oxaliplatin and bevacizumab was used (CAIRO3). From computed tomography, muscle mass normalized for stature (skeletal muscle index [SMI]) was calculated. A priori-selected variables were tested using multivariable linear regression models (P values ≤.05). Two models were developed: Model 1 contained variables measured at start and Model 2 contained variables assessed after initial therapy.

Results

In Model 1, loss of SMI was statistically significantly associated with a higher initial SMI (−0.32%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.45% to −0.19% per unit increase in initial SMI), smoking status (−2.74%, 95% CI = −5.29% to −0.19% for smokers), and interval of metastases (−3.02%, 95% CI = −5.50% to −0.53%) for metachronous vs synchronous metastases), and primary tumor resection was statistically significantly associated with a gain in SMI (2.17%, 95% CI = 0.13% to 4.21% for resection vs no resection). In Model 2, loss of SMI was statistically significantly associated with response to capecitabine plus oxaliplatin and bevacizumab (−2.48%, 95% CI = −4.33% to −0.62% for stable disease vs partial/complete response).

Conclusions

Our results highlight, given the association of sarcopenia and survival, that patients with higher SMI should not be ignored. In addition, smoking is a potentially modifiable factor associated with muscle loss. The association between smoking and muscle loss might relate to worse clinical outcomes in smokers with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Details

Title
Factors Contributing to Cancer-Related Muscle Wasting During First-Line Systemic Treatment for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Author
Derksen, Jeroen W G 1 ; Kurk, Sophie A 1 ; Oskam, Marieke J 2 ; Peeters, Petra H M 2 ; Punt, Cornelis J A 3 ; Koopman, Miriam 4 ; May, Anne M 2 

 Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands 
 Department of Epidemiology, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands 
 Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands 
 Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands 
Publication year
2019
Publication date
Jun 2019
Publisher
Oxford University Press
e-ISSN
25155091
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
3170506164
Copyright
© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press. This work is published under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.