Sarcopenia status among treatment-naïve gastric cancer patients in China: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Due to the lack of uniform diagnostic criteria and the exclusive use of computed tomography as an indicator, the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with stomach cancer varies considerably. Currently, limited data are available from comprehensive studies utilizing bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) for muscle mass, combined with handgrip strength and gait speed, to assess sarcopenia in treatment-naïve gastric cancer patients. Therefore, this study aims to investigate this condition among treatment-naïve gastric cancer patients in China.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Chinese sarcopenia in treatment‑naïve gastric cancer patients by using BIA with handgrip strength and gait speed, in line with the standard Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Sarcopenia.

METHODS

Employing a single-center cross-sectional design, this study assessed the prevalence of sarcopenia in treatment-naïve gastric cancer patients using BIA and standard Chinese diagnostic criteria. Additionally, comparative analyses of body composition and laboratory parameters were conducted to discern significant differences between patients with and without sarcopenia.

RESULTS

Using Chinese diagnostic criteria and BIA, we identified a sarcopenia prevalence of 17.49% in treatment-naïve gastric cancer patients. This cohort demonstrated significant muscle and fat depletion alongside a 62.68% prevalence of GLIM-defined malnutrition. Additionally, sarcopenia was associated with a higher risk of anemia and significantly reduced serum albumin and total protein levels relative to patients without the condition.

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia imposes a significant clinical burden on Chinese patients recently diagnosed with gastric cancer, and is frequently associated with severe malnutrition and anaemia.