Quality of Life and Body Composition in Rectal Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Cintoni Marco, Palombaro Marta, Raoul Pauline, Chiloiro Giuditta, Romano Angela, Meldolesi Elisa, De Giacomo Flavia, Leonardi Elena, Egidi Gabriele, Grassi Futura, Pulcini Gabriele, Rinninella Emanuele, Capristo Esmeralda, Gasbarrini Antonio, Gambacorta Maria Antonietta, Mele Maria Cristina
Primary Institution: Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
Hypothesis
The study aims to explore the associations between the EORTC QLQ-CAX24 scores and body composition parameters in rectal cancer patients.
Conclusion
The EORTC QLQ-CAX24 questionnaire is effective for monitoring cachexia status during radiotherapy in rectal cancer patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Significant associations were found between EORTC QLQ-CAX24 values and the presence of cachexia, body composition, handgrip strength, and malnutrition diagnosis.
- Muscle mass was significantly associated with EORTC QLQ-CAX24 results, indicating a link between quality of life perception and body composition.
- Cachectic patients reported higher levels of food aversion and loss of control compared to non-cachectic patients.
Takeaway
This study looks at how body composition affects the quality of life for people with rectal cancer, showing that better muscle mass can lead to a better quality of life.
Methodology
This was a prospective observational study involving rectal cancer patients evaluated at a dedicated outpatient clinic, with assessments of body composition and quality of life using specific questionnaires.
Limitations
The study's limitations include its single-center nature and small sample size, which may affect the reliability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Patients were evenly distributed between genders, with a slight predominance of females (53.6%). Most patients were either normal weight or overweight, with a mean BMI of 25.6 ± 4.4 kg/m2.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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