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Review
. 2023 Jul;24(7):317-334.
doi: 10.1007/s11934-023-01157-6. Epub 2023 Apr 10.

Imaging Techniques to Determine Degree of Sarcopenia and Systemic Inflammation in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Benjamin N Schmeusser  1 , Adil A Ali  1 , Florian J Fintelmann  2 , Jose M Garcia  3   4 , Grant R Williams  5   6 , Viraj A Master  7   8 , Sarah P Psutka  9   10
Affiliations
Review

Imaging Techniques to Determine Degree of Sarcopenia and Systemic Inflammation in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Benjamin N Schmeusser et al. Curr Urol Rep. 2023 Jul.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to provide an up-to-date understanding regarding the literature on sarcopenia and inflammation as prognostic factors in the context of renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Recent findings: Sarcopenia is increasingly recognized as a prognostic factor in RCC. Emerging literature suggests monitoring quantity of muscle on successive imaging and examining muscle density may be additionally informative. Inflammation has prognostic ability in RCC and is also considered a key contributor to development and progression of both RCC and sarcopenia. Recent studies suggest these two prognostic factors together may provide additional prognostic ability when used in combination. Ongoing developments include quality control regarding sarcopenia research and imaging, improving understanding of muscle loss mechanisms, and enhancing clinical incorporation of sarcopenia via improving imaging analysis practicality (i.e., artificial intelligence) and feasible biomarkers. Sarcopenia and systemic inflammation are complementary prognostic factors for adverse outcomes in patients with RCC. Further study on high-quality sarcopenia assessment standardization and expedited sarcopenia assessment is desired for eventual routine clinical incorporation of these prognostic factors.

Keywords: Body composition; Inflammation; Prognostic factor; Renal cell carcinoma (RCC); Sarcopenia; Skeletal muscle.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest F.J.F. reports related patent and consulting fees from Pfizer.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Summary of mechanisms associated with sarcopenia in aging and cancer cachexia
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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