Cancer may accelerate locomotive syndrome and deteriorate quality of life: a single-centre cross-sectional study of locomotive syndrome in cancer patients

Abstract

Background Thanks to recent advancement in cancer treatment, an increasing number of cancer patients are expected to live longer with cancer. The ambulatory ability is essential for cancer patients to spend their own independent lives, but locomotive syndrome (LS), a condition of reduced mobility due to impairment of locomotive organs, in cancer patients has been seldom examined. Methods This was a single-institutional cross-sectional study. Cancer patients receiving cancer therapy between April 2020 and March 2021 were asked to participate. LS was classified as stage 0–3, and compared with their performance status (PS). Physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) were calculated from the results of Short Form-8. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for LS stage 3. Results One hundred and seventy-six cancer patients were included. The rate of LS was 96.0%. That of LS stage 3 was 40.9% and as high as 29.7% even if limited to those with PS 0. The mean PCS and MCS were both inferior to the national averages. PCS decreased as the LS stage advanced. Old age and underweight were revealed as independent risk factors for LS stage 3. Conclusions The ratio of LS in cancer patients was extremely high, and the LS stage correlated with physical QOL. Even those with PS 0 can have severe LS; thus, LS can be a sensitive detector of physical disability of cancer patients than PS. The improvement of LS can be a key to the preservation of their ADL and QOL.

A new era in the management of spinal metastasis

“…Recent advances in chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, bone-modifying agents (BMA) such as zoledronic acid and denosumab, and radiotherapy have enabled multidisciplinary and comprehensive treatment, extending the lives of patients with cancer worldwide ( 3 ). Significant improvements in life expectancy have led to a new era of living with cancer with shortened hospital stays and increased outpatient treatments ( 4 ). However, although the prognosis of cancer patients improved, the incidence of metastatic cancer increased as well ( 5 ).…”

Reliability and validity tests of the Chinese version of the Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25) in tumor survivors

“…The insidious degradation of locomotor components, particularly the musculoskeletal system, often escapes early detection. Among tumor survivors whose Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG-PS) was “Fully Active”, 29.7 % were diagnosed with LS, despite the absence of overt sarcopenia or muscular weakness [ 12 ]. Masahiro argues that LS acts as a more sensitive barometer for assessing MF impairment, and its timely diagnosis enables preemptive interventions, thereby preserving ADL and QoL [ 13 ].…”