Sarkopenia-Malnutration and Frailty in Geriatric Oncology

Abstract

Malnutrition, sarcopenia and frailty, important geriatric syndromes, affect morbidity and mortality in older adults. Malignancy increases with age. It was shown that cancer might be associated with many geriatric syndromes. Malnutrition is important in elderlycancer patients. There are several factors that affect malnutrition in the elderly. Malignancies are one of these. Malnutrition is a predictor of the response to surgery and chemotherapy. Sarcopenia is also an important factor in the elderly. Lean muscle mass may be related to the toxicity of chemotherapy. Various types of chemotherapeutic agents cancers might increase toxicity in sarcopenia with older adults. Frailty,another geriatric syndrome, is defined as decrease in the physiological reserve and increase in resistance to physical and psychological stresses. Many chronic diseases are managed according to the frailty status. The same is true for cancer patients in older adults. Therefore, comprehensive geriatric assessment should be an important part of geriatric oncology practice.