Body Composition in Pediatric Solid Tumors: State of the Science and Future Directions

Abstract Sarcopenia (severe skeletal muscle wasting) and sarcopenic obesity (skeletal muscle wasting in the setting of excess fat) have been increasingly recognized as important prognostic indicators in adult oncology. Unfavorable changes in lean and adipose tissue masses manifest early in therapy and are associated with altered chemotherapy metabolism as well as increased treatment-related morbidity and mortality. Existing literature addresses the role of body composition in children with hematologic malignancies; however, data is lacking among solid tumor patients. Advances in imaging techniques for quantification of tissue compartments potentiate further investigation in this highly understudied area of pediatric oncology. The following review presents an in-depth discussion of body composition analysis and its potential role in the care of pediatric solid tumor patients. Integration of body tissue measurement into standard practice has broad clinical implications and may improve quality of life and treatment outcomes in this at-risk population.

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The ubiquitin–proteasome system and skeletal muscle wasting

Essays in Biochemistry ◽

10.1042/eb0410173 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

pp. 173 ◽

Cited By ~ 58

Author(s):

Didier Attaix ◽

Sophie Ventadour ◽

Audrey Codran ◽

Daniel Béchet ◽

Daniel Taillandier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Skeletal Muscle ◽

Muscle Wasting ◽

Ubiquitin Proteasome System ◽

Skeletal Muscle Wasting ◽

Ubiquitin Proteasome

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Faculty Opinions recommendation of Acute skeletal muscle wasting in critical illness.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.718138034.793487959 ◽

2013 ◽

Author(s):

Walter Hasibeder

Keyword(s):

Skeletal Muscle ◽

Critical Illness ◽

Muscle Wasting ◽

Skeletal Muscle Wasting

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Skeletal Muscle Wasting After Severe Burn is a Consequence of Cachexia and Sarcopenia

Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition ◽

10.1002/jpen.2238 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Juquan Song ◽

Audra Clark ◽

Charles E Wade ◽

Steven E Wolf

Keyword(s):

Skeletal Muscle ◽

Muscle Wasting ◽

Severe Burn ◽

Skeletal Muscle Wasting

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Mitochondrial Dysfunction Is a Common Denominator Linking Skeletal Muscle Wasting Due to Disease, Aging, and Prolonged Inactivity

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox10040588 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 588

Author(s):

Hayden W. Hyatt ◽

Scott K. Powers

Keyword(s):

Skeletal Muscle ◽

Mitochondrial Dysfunction ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Muscle Mass ◽

Cancer Chemotherapy ◽

Muscle Wasting ◽

The Body ◽

Common Denominator ◽

Skeletal Muscle Wasting ◽

Vital Functions

Skeletal muscle is the most abundant tissue in the body and is required for numerous vital functions, including breathing and locomotion. Notably, deterioration of skeletal muscle mass is also highly correlated to mortality in patients suffering from chronic diseases (e.g., cancer). Numerous conditions can promote skeletal muscle wasting, including several chronic diseases, cancer chemotherapy, aging, and prolonged inactivity. Although the mechanisms responsible for this loss of muscle mass is multifactorial, mitochondrial dysfunction is predicted to be a major contributor to muscle wasting in various conditions. This systematic review will highlight the biochemical pathways that have been shown to link mitochondrial dysfunction to skeletal muscle wasting. Importantly, we will discuss the experimental evidence that connects mitochondrial dysfunction to muscle wasting in specific diseases (i.e., cancer and sepsis), aging, cancer chemotherapy, and prolonged muscle inactivity (e.g., limb immobilization). Finally, in hopes of stimulating future research, we conclude with a discussion of important future directions for research in the field of muscle wasting.

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