Phase Angle, Handgrip Strength, and Other Indicators of Nutritional Status in Cancer Patients Undergoing Different Nutritional Strategies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Malnutrition in cancer patients is one of the most influential factors in the evolution and mortality of such patients. To reduce the incidence of malnutrition, it is necessary to establish a correct nutritional intervention. For this purpose, precise tools and indicators must be developed to determine the patient’s condition. The main objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the relationship between different nutritional strategies, phase angle (PA), and handgrip strength in patients with cancer, with the secondary objectives being the modification of other indicators of nutritional status, such as weight and body mass index (BMI). A systematic review of randomized clinical trials was carried out in March 2023 in the databases PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus. As a risk-of-bias tool, RoB 2.0 was utilized. A total of 8 studies with a total of 606 participants were included in the analysis. A significant increase in PA was observed after the different nutritional strategies (SMD: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.77; p = 0.01; I2 = 65.63%), also detecting a significant increase in handgrip strength (SMD: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.47; p = 0.01; I2 = 30.70%). A significant increase in PA and handgrip were observed in cancer patients subjected to different nutritional strategies. These results suggest that these indicators could be used in the nutritional and functional assessment of the patients.

Association of Phase Angle Dynamics with Sarcopenia and Activities of Daily Living in Osteoporotic Fracture Patients

“…Additionally, systematic reviews and meta-analyses have shown that nutritional interventions for patients with cancer can change their phase angles. 41 ) These findings suggest that rehabilitation, including resistance training, nutritional management, or their combination, may have a greater potential to improve the phase angle. Therefore, to maximize improvement of patient outcomes, careful observation of the phase angle and its trends, rather than routine and conventional treatment, may help facilitate high-quality treatment, including personalized nutrition and exercise, in a multidisciplinary manner.…”

The Impact of Nutritional Markers and Dietary Habits on the Bioimpedance Phase Angle in Older Individuals

“…The ESPEN Guidelines on Nutrition in Geriatrics also state that restrictive diets are not recommended for overweight older adults [ 37 ]. A meta-analysis suggested that nutritional interventions in patients with cancer could increase their PhA values [ 38 ]. We suggest that preventing a shortage of carbohydrates and ensuring a sufficient intake of total calories may contribute to an increased PhA and promote healthy aging among healthy older males.…”

Creatine - new hope in cancer treatment

“…Malignant tumors are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. [29] Scientists are seeking new effective methods of treatment in oncology. Research is being conducted to search for substances that may aid in the fight against cancerous diseases.…”

“…Proper nutritional intervention is crucial for improving therapeutic outcomes and quality of life. [29] [31] Currently, there is no established effective treatment regimen for cancer-related cachexia, which necessitates the need to find new methods of treatment. Creatine helps strengthen muscles and improve strength, which is why it has potential applications in the treatment of cancer-related cachexia.…”

“…The results showed that among the group of colorectal cancer patients treated with chemotherapy, there was no improvement in muscle function, body mass, or quality of life as assessed by the QLQ30 questionnaire. [29] In the study conducted by Jatoi et al, terminally ill cancer patients in the experimental group were orally administered creatine at a dose of 5 g for 5 days, followed by 2 g per day.…”