Sarcopenia Risk Screening in Patients With Gastrointestinal Cancer Using SARC-F

Summary

Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength and is associated with worse outcomes in cancer patients. It can negatively affect prognosis, increase postoperative complications, reduce tolerance to systemic therapy, and impair quality of life. Sarcopenia may be present even in patients with preserved nutritional status or overweight. This study aims to evaluate the proportion of patients with gastrointestinal cancer who are at risk of sarcopenia, as assessed by the SARC-F screening questionnaire, before initiation of systemic treatment and during treatment. Patients with a positive screening result may be referred for further nutritional evaluation and assessment of sarcopenia severity using anthropometric measurements and DXA, according to standard clinical practice.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients (≥18 years) with gastrointestinal cancer
* Patients planned for or receiving systemic anticancer treatment (adjuvant treatment or treatment of metastatic disease)
* Ability to complete the SARC-F screening questionnaire
* Written informed consent provided

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients younger than 18 years
* Patients unable to complete the questionnaire (e.g., severe cognitive impairment or inability to cooperate)
* Patients not eligible for systemic anticancer treatment
* Refusal to participate in the study

Conditions3

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