Improving diagnosis and care for cancer-related sarcopenia
Researchers are working to develop a way to rapidly identify and treat people who have low muscle mass as a result of cancer.
Cancer-related sarcopenia (low muscle mass) affects 30-50% of people with cancer, leading to reduced capacity to tolerate treatment and contributing to reduced survival rates.
Despite its significant impact on health, the condition is currently unrecognised and untreated. This is because diagnosis involves assessment of muscle mass, which requires specialist training and access to equipment.
Associate Professor Nicole Kiss is developing a quick and simple screening tool for cancer-related sarcopenia and plans to integrate it into broad clinical practice.
The EPICCS (Establishing Pathways to Improved Care for Cancer-related Sarcopenia) project will help reduce unplanned hospitalisation and improve capacity for optimal cancer treatment, leading to better cancer outcomes.
“There is a critical need for a simple, reliable and accessible screening tool for cancer-related sarcopenia,” she said.
“Our aim is to roll the new screening tool out nationally, which will have significant health, economic and social benefits.”
Once the tool is developed and validated, the research team will evaluate its feasibility and cost-effectiveness, and determine referral pathways in rural and specialist cancer services.
The tool and referral pathway will then be embedded into national oncology guidelines as the final phase of the project.
Associate Professor Kiss said this would be the first screening tool designed for cancer-related sarcopenia internationally, with potential for global impact.
“With growing awareness of the importance of identifying people at risk of sarcopenia throughout cancer treatment and recovery, we anticipate broad uptake and use of the tool across the cancer sector,” she said.
Project partners include Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Grampians Health, Colac Area Health, Mackay Health, Victorian Department of Health, Clinical Oncology Society of Australia, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre and Western Alliance, as well as the University of Melbourne, Monash University and University of Alberta.
