Dados do Resumo

Título

THE IMPACT OF SARCOPENIA IN COLORECTAL CANCER PATIENTS IN PRE- AND POSTOPERATIVE CONTEXTS

Introdução

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Sarcopenia is characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. In CRC patients, sarcopenia is associated with high preoperative mortality and severe postoperative inflammation, significantly linking it to postoperative complications and unfavorable prognoses.

Objetivo

To highlight the impact of sarcopenia on colorectal cancer patients, both pre- and postoperatively, and to gain a clearer understanding of its relevance to patient prognosis.

Métodos

Review and analysis of scientific articles available in PubMed and Embase databases from 2019 to 2024. The literature review was structured using articles from PubMed and Embase with descriptors: “colorectal cancer", "sarcopenia", “outcomes”. The search was limited to articles published between 2019 and 2024. Studies were included if they addressed the effect of sarcopenia in colorectal cancer patients, considering both pre- and postoperative contexts. Exclusion criteria included articles not available in English, Portuguese, or Spanish, and those focusing on other types of cancer.

Resultados

Sarcopenia leads to higher rates of total and severe postoperative complications, extended hospital stays, increased postoperative mortality, and more infections compared to non-sarcopenic patients. Furthermore, sarcopenic patients have elevated preoperative inflammatory markers, which exacerbate postoperative inflammatory responses. Studies comparing preoperative sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic groups reveal that sarcopenia adversely affects patient outcomes. In colorectal cancer patients, sarcopenia significantly impairs overall survival, disease-free survival, and cancer-specific survival. Addressing sarcopenia is crucial for improving these outcomes and enhancing patient recovery.

Conclusões

Sarcopenia is a crucial factor affecting patient prognosis in both pre- and postoperative stages. Patients with sarcopenia face increased postoperative complications and heightened inflammatory responses compared to non-sarcopenic patients. Evaluating the degree of sarcopenia in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients is essential, as addressing low skeletal muscle mass can significantly improve prognostic outcomes. Early intervention to mitigate sarcopenia could enhance recovery, reduce complications, and contribute to better overall survival and disease-specific outcomes.

Palavras Chave

Colorectal cancer; Sarcopenia; Survival