Identification of Sarcopenia Risk in Oncology Outpatients using the SARC-F Method

Abstract

Introduction: Sarcopenia is a common syndrome of highly catabolic diseases like cancer. Maintaining adequate body composition is fundamental for oncology patients' best prognosis. Existing tools to help in early identification of sarcopenia are limited and impractical in outpatient care. The SARC-F questionnaire, validated by Malmstrom et al, in order to screen the risk of sarcopenia can help on the early diagnosis and intervention. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sarcopenia risk in oncology outpatients by SARC-F tool, and to analyze its relationship with the Body Mass Index (BMI) and treatment toxicity.