Quantifiying sarcopenia with computered tomography in oncology patients

Sarcopenia is a condition associated with a change in muscle composition, a progressive decrease in muscle strength and muscle mass, which can harm the prognosis of cancer patients. Its extent and severity can be estimated with several biometric methods (anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance, laboratory tests), but it can also be quantified with objective measures using radiological methods. Early recognition and treatment of the condition positively affects quality of life and disease outcome. The term “radiological sarcopenia” verified by CT is already used as a prognostic factor in many clinical studies.