Prevalence and associated factors of sarcopenia in cervical cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Abstract Background: Sarcopenia is a poor prognostic factor that negatively impacts overall survival and quality of life in cancer patients. The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of sarcopenia in cervical cancer (CC) patients followed at Douala General Hospital (DGH). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in the oncology department of DGH, during which sarcopenia was diagnosed in 347 patients with cervical cancer. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and data were analyzed using R and GraphPad software. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with sarcopenia. Results: The mean age of patients was 50 ± 10 years, ranging from 25 to 75 years. The overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 43%, with 22% presenting with moderate sarcopenia, 12% with sarcopenia, and 9% with severe sarcopenia. Factors significantly associated with sarcopenia included carboplatin-based chemotherapy protocols (AOR = 3.06, 95% CI = 1.43–6.66, p = 0.004), and being overweight (AOR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.14–0.51, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The high prevalence of sarcopenia among patients with cervical cancer should alert oncologists to the importance of integrating sarcopenia screening into the routine management of these patients.