Higher Muscle Strength Is Associated with Prolonged Survival in Older Patients with Advanced Cancer

Conclusion.Higher muscle strength at the start of palliative chemotherapy is associated with significantly better OS in older patients with advanced cancer. None of the investigated muscle parameters were related to treatment toxicity. Future studies are needed to evaluate whether muscle strength can be used for treatment decisions in older patients with advanced cancer.Implications for Practice.This study in older patients with advanced cancer showed that adequate muscle strength is associated with longer overall survival. The results of this study imply that muscle strength might be helpful in estimating survival and therefore in identifying older patients who will benefit from anticancer treatment.

Source: The Oncologist - May 11, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Katheliȷn Sophie Versteeg, Susanne Blauwhoff-Buskermolen, Laurien M. Buffart, Marian A.E. de van der Schueren, Jacqueline A.E. Langius, Henk M.W. Verheul, Andrea B. Maier, Inge R. Konings Tags: Symptom Management and Supportive Care, Geriatric Oncology Source Type: research