Weight changes correlate with alterations in subjective physical function in advanced cancer patients referred to a specialized nutrition and rehabilitation team.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to assess whether short-term weight gain correlates with improvements in subjective markers of quality of life and physical function in patients referred to a clinic for management of cancer cachexia.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the records of 306 patients referred to a specialized multi-disciplinary supportive care team with particular interest in treating cancer cachexia. Weight changes between each of the first three clinic visits, were correlated with the corresponding changes in patient-rated performance status, perceived strength and quality of life. In a second cohort of 56 patients, the correlation between perceived strength and quality of life was re-tested using a more detailed quality of life tool.

RESULTS

Even over short time intervals positive correlations were observed for weight change vs. change in patient-rated performance status (Rs > 0.15, P < 0.05), and for changes in perceived strength vs. quality of life (Rs > 0.33, P < 0.001). The correlation between changes in patient-rated strength and quality of life was consistent across all subgroups studied and was reproducible when using a different, validated, quality of life tool (FAACT) in a second independent patient cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Weight gains are associated with subjective improvements in physical functioning, and changes in perceived physical strength are consistently correlated with quality of life.