Abstract
IntroductionThe current scope of literature exploring body composition changes during chemotherapy has primarily been investigated in patients with early-stage (I-III) breast cancer, with little known in regard to the metastatic population. A higher fat free mass index (FFMI) has been associated with greater treatment outcomes, survival, and quality of life in cancer patients. With the known benefits of a high FFMI in cancer populations, this study aims to describe changes in body composition, muscle strength, and physical function during chemotherapy in the metastatic breast cancer population to inform future intervention studies for the improvement in overall quality of life.
Methods:
This was a 6-week observational cohort study where we measured changes in FFMI, muscle strength, and physical function in metastatic breast cancer patients during chemotherapy. Quality of life, protein intake, physical activity, and malnutrition status were also measured. Participant values were compared to age- and gender specific reference values.
Results:
Five participants were recruited for the study, and three completed all measurements. Preliminary results did not indicate sarcopenia within the population, however at baseline 60% (n = 4) were overweight or obese, median protein intake in all participants was below recommended intakes (75%), and 80% of participants did not participate in sufficient physical activity when compared to age- and gender specific reference values. Physical function did decline with time in 2 participants, and muscle strength remained stable in all participants that completed the study.
Conclusions:
From the preliminary data collected, our sample size reflects similar trends to those highlighted in early-stage breast cancer populations. Most of our sample size was overweight or obese, median protein intake in all participants at baseline was below recommended intakes (75%), and at baseline, 80% of participants did not participate in sufficient physical activity when compared to age- and gender specific reference values. Additional recruitment is required to ensure further insights into the metastatic population group.
| Date of Award | 31 May 2018 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Supervisor | Barbara S van der Meij (Supervisor) |