Quantifying the severity of sarcopenia in patients with cancer of the head and neck

Background & aims: Existing skeletal muscle index (SMI) thresholds for sarcopenia are inconsistent, and do not reflect severity of depletion. In this study we aimed to define criterion values for moderate and severe skeletal muscle depletion based on the risk of mortality in a population of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Additionally, we aimed to identify clinical and demographic predictors of skeletal muscle depletion, evaluate the survival impact of skeletal muscle depletion in patients with minimal nutritional risk or good performance status, and finally, benchmarking SMI values of patients with HNC against healthy young adults. Methods: Population cohort of 1231 consecutive patients and external validation cohorts with HNC had lumbar SMI measured by cross-sectional imaging. Optimal stratification determined sex-specific thresholds for 2-levels of SMI depletion (Class I and II) based on overall survival (OS). Adjusted multivariable regression analyses (tumor site, stage, performance status, age, sex, dietary intake, weight loss) determined relationships between 2-levels of SMI depletion and OS. Results: Mean SMI (cm²/m²) was 51.7 ± 9.9 (males) and 39.8 ± 7.1 (females). The overall and sex-specific population demonstrated an increased risk of mortality associated with decreasing SMI. Sex-specific SMI (cm²/m²) depletion thresholds for 2-levels of muscle depletion determined by optimal stratification for males and females, respectively (male: 45.2–37.5, and <37.5; female: 40.9–34.2, and <34.2). In the overall population, Normal SMI, Class I and II SMI depletion occurred in 65.0%, 24.0%, and 11.0%, respectively. Median OS was: Normal SMI (114 months, 95% CI, 97.1–130.8); Class I SMI Depletion (42 months, 95% CI, 28.5–55.4), and Class II SMI Depletion (15 months, 95% CI, 9.8–20.1). Adjusted multivariable analysis compared with Normal SMI (reference), Class I SMI Depletion (HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.18–1.88; P < .001), Class II SMI Depletion (HR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.42–2.58; P < .001). Conclusions: Moderate and severe SMI depletion demonstrate discrimination in OS in patients with HNC. Moderate and severe SMI depletion is prevalent in patients with minimal nutrition risk and good performance status. Benchmarking SMI values against healthy young adults exemplifies the magnitude of SMI depletion in patients with HNC and may be a useful method in standardizing SMI assessment.