ESMO Congress 2023 | OncologyPRO

Abstract 1606P

Background

Sarcopenia refers to the loss of muscle mass and strength that occurs with aging and due to some medical conditions like cancer. Depression and inability to eat without assistance are common effects documented in cancer patients with sarcopenia. As a result, the goal of this study was to look into the relationship between sarcopenia, depression, and modes of feeding.

Methods

During the period beginning in January 2023 and ending in April 2023, cancer patients participated in a retrospective study. There has been a total of 150 participants enrolled in the trial, all of whom have been diagnosed with cancer. These people were enrolled in Mayo Hospital's Palliative Care Cancer Department in order to receive treatment. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to determine the presence of depressive symptoms. The SARC-F was utilized to assess sarcopenia across all five dimensions. A self-report measure was utilized to assess modes of feeding [options include: 1) unable to eat without assistance 2) (self-fed with some difficulty, and 3) self-fed without any problem]. Sarcopenia, major depressive disorder, and feeding modes were studied using correlation analysis.

Results

We have observed a significant and negative association between modes of feeding and depression (r=-0.459, p<0.01), SARC1=Strength (r = -0.326, p<0.01), SARC2=Assistance in walking (r = -0.196, p<0.05), and SARC3=Rise from a chair (r = -0.238, p<0.01). These findings show that cancer patients are unable to eat without assistance when they suffer from sarcopenia which ultimately leads to more depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia has a negative impact on the quality of life of patients, leading to depression and dependence on daily activities like self-eating which further complicates management.