Published online Jul 15, 2019. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v11.i7.527
Peer-review started: January 28, 2019
First decision: April 15, 2019
Revised: April 23, 2019
Accepted: May 21, 2019
Article in press: May 22, 2019
Published online: July 15, 2019
Processing time: 170 Days and 19.2 Hours
Sarcopenia is found in up to 65% of pancreatic cancer patients. The definition and diagnostic methods for sarcopenia have changed over the years, and the measurement of skeletal muscle mass with cross-sectional imaging has become the most popular way of assessment, although the parameters measured vary among different studies. It is still debatable that there is an association between sarcopenia and postoperative pancreatic fistula, but most studies showed a higher risk in patients with sarcopenic obesity. Long-term survival is worse in sarcopenic patients, as shown by meta-analysis. Sarcopenia is also associated with decreased survival and higher toxicity in patients receiving chemotherapy, and chemotherapy also tends to potentiate sarcopenia. Treatment for sarcopenia still remains an area for research, although oral supplements, nutritional modifications and exercise training have been shown to improve sarcopenia.
Core tip: Sarcopenia is a common condition found in pancreatic cancer patients. There is growing evidence showing that sarcopenia is associated with worse survival outcomes. This article summarizes the current evidence for the definition and diagnosis of sarcopenia, as well as its relationship with surgical outcomes, survival and chemotherapy.