Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Sarcopenia, defined by a loss of strength and muscle mass, is initially described in elderly subjects but now is increasingly observed in younger patients with cancer. In addition, loss of muscle mass appears to be progressive during neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to analyse the body composition of breast cancer patients and determine the prevalence of sarcopenia during chemotherapy.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional comparative study conducted over a 6-month period in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. An analysis of body composition with calculation of the non-fat mass index was carried out using an impedance meter to assess the reduction in muscle mass. A reduction of muscle strength was assessed by a hand strength <16 kg. The diagnosis of sarcopenia was made according to the criteria of the EWGSOP 2019. The population was divided into 2 groups according to the chemotherapy molecule used; G1: group receiving anthracyclines, G2: group receiving taxane.

Results: During this period 107 patients were recorded. The mean age was 52±9.75 years. The age group most affected was between 50 and 60. In the body composition analysis, reduced muscle mass was noted in 55% of patients. It was more marked for group 1. An increase in body fat was noted in the majority of cases (70%) and the percentages were comparable for the two groups. A non-fat mass index of less than 15 was noted in 14 patients. The majority of which belonged to G1. Furthermore, a decrease in grip strength was noted in 34 patients, 61% of whom were receiving anthracyclines. Finally, sarcopenia was diagnosed in 12% of all cases. Both sarcopenia and reduced muscle strength were significantly associated with G1 receiving anthracyclines with respectivelyP 0.028, P<10^-3. The increase in body fat was not correlated with the chemotherapy molecule.

Conclusion: This reflects the under-diagnosis of sarcopenia and its close relationship with chemotherapy, justifying early detection and management of this entity in order to prevent its potential consequences.