Sarcopenia assessment by new EWGSOP2 criteria for predicting chemotherapy dose-limiting toxicity in patients with gastrointestinal tract tumors

Introduction In 2019, The EWGSOP2 group made updates on the definition and diagnosis of sarcopenia. The aim of this study is to determine the possible risk factors for chemotherapy dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). Methods Newly diagnosed gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patients were included in this prospective observational study. Chemotherapy DLTs were recorded in patients receiving platinum-based therapy. The patients were divided into two groups according to the current sarcopenia criteria. Results 75 patients were included in the final analysis. Chemotherapy DLT occurred in 52% (n = 39) of all patients who received platinum-based chemotherapy. DLT rates were 78.9% and 42.9% in sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic patients, respectively (p = 0.007). According to the results of the multivariate analysis, the only sarcopenia was found as a statistically significant risk factor for DLT. Conclusion Assessment of sarcopenia evaluated with the current EWGSOP2 diagnostic criteria is useful in predicting chemotherapy DLT development in patients with a diagnosis of GI cancer. In the future, current EWGSOP2 recommendations should be considered while designing a study investigating the correlation between sarcopenia and chemotoxicity. Key summary pointsAim To determine the possible risk factors for chemotherapy dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. Findings The only sarcopenia was found as a statistically significant risk factor for chemotherapy DLT. Message Assessment of sarcopenia evaluated with the current EWGSOP2 diagnostic criteria is useful in predicting chemotherapy DLT development in GI cancer patients.

Automated summary

This study aimed to determine the possible risk factors for chemotherapy dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, and found that sarcopenia was the only statistically significant risk factor for chemotherapy DLT. Assessment of sarcopenia evaluated with the current EWGSOP2 diagnostic criteria is useful in predicting chemotherapy DLT development in GI cancer patients.