Sarcopenia in Lung Cancer: A Narrative Review

Abstract

It has been over 10 years since the relationship between sarcopenia and lung cancer was first explored. Since then, sarcopenia research has progressed substantially, and the prognostic value of this condition is becoming increasingly apparent. Prior systematic reviews and meta-analyses have established sarcopenia to be negatively associated with disease-free and overall-survival, as well as a major risk factor for post-operative complications. The bulk of the literature has explored sarcopenia in the resectable setting, with less emphasis placed on studies evaluating this condition in advanced disease. In this up-to-date review, an examination of the literature exploring the association between sarcopenia and long-term outcomes in advanced lung cancer is provided. We further explore the association between adverse events of medical therapy and the role of sarcopenia as a predictor of tumor response. Finally, the interventions on sarcopenia and cancer cachexia are reviewed, with an emphasis placed on prospective studies.

Authors Contributions

Uzair Jogiat: Conceptualization, Methodology, Data Curation, Writing – Original Draft. Zaharadeen Jimoh: Methodology, Data Curation, Writing – Original Draft. Simon R Turner: Writing – Review and Editing, Supervision. Vickie Baracos: Methodology, Writing – Review and Editing, Supervision. Dean Eurich: Writing – Review and Editing. Eric LR Bédard: Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing – Review and Editing, Supervision.

Disclosure Statement

Dr. Turner declares financial relationships with Astra Zeneca and Ethicon. Dr. Bédard declares financial relationships with Astra Zeneca and Hoffman-La Roche. No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.