Body Composition in Older Adults
This study is for people aged 70 and over who have cancer and are starting treatment. Researchers want to understand how their bodies change during treatment, especially their muscle and fat levels. They're also looking into conditions like sarcopenia (muscle loss) and cachexia (weight and muscle loss often linked to cancer). The aim is to see how these body changes might be different for various cancers and how understanding them can help guide better food and nutrition advice for older adults with cancer. This research hopes to improve care for a group often overlooked in studies.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is focused on understanding how cancer and its treatments affect the bodies of older adults – specifically those aged 70 and above. When you have cancer and are undergoing treatment, your body can go through many changes. Researchers are particularly interested in two main areas: changes in your 'body composition,' which means the amount of muscle, fat, and water you have, and how these changes relate to conditions like sarcopenia (a common problem where people lose muscle as they get older) and cachexia (a more serious condition where people lose a lot of weight and muscle, often due to chronic illness like cancer).
The main goal is to get a clearer picture of how these body changes happen during cancer treatment. They want to see if the changes are different depending on the type of cancer, and how often conditions like sarcopenia and cachexia occur. Ultimately, the hope is that by understanding these changes better, doctors and dietitians can give more tailored and helpful nutrition advice to older adults with cancer, which could improve their overall health and well-being during treatment.
This kind of research is really important because older adults with cancer are a growing group, but their specific needs are not always well-understood in medical studies. By gathering this information, the researchers aim to pave the way for more personalised care plans in the future, making sure that nutritional support is as effective as possible for these patients.
Key takeaways
- This study focuses on older adults (70+) having cancer treatment.
- It aims to understand how cancer and treatment affect body fat and muscle.
- Researchers hope to find better ways to provide nutrition advice.
- Participation involves simple monthly measurements, not new treatments.
- The findings could lead to more personalised care for future patients.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for volunteers who are aged 70 or older and have recently been diagnosed with cancer. You would also need to be just starting a type of cancer treatment called 'systemic anticancer treatment' (SACT).
To be eligible, you must be willing and able to participate in a special assessment programme for older adults with cancer. You'd also need to be able to attend at least two appointments during the study to have your measurements taken, and you must be able to understand the study and willingly give your informed consent to take part.
- Are you 70 years of age or older?
- Do you have a cancer diagnosis?
- Are you about to start 'systemic anticancer treatment'?
- Are you able to attend at least 2 study visits?
- Are you willing to give your agreement to take part?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, it's called an 'observational study,' which means you won't be given any new treatments or medications just for the study. Instead, the researchers will be watching and recording information about your body composition over time.
A trained member of the research team will take some measurements each month. These will include using a special machine called a Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) machine, which is a simple way to estimate your body fat, muscle, and water levels. They will also measure your waist and hip size, check your handgrip strength (how strong your hand squeeze is), and measure the circumference of your calf. They will also collect some general information about you, like your age and background. You'll need to attend at least two appointments: one at the beginning of your treatment and at least one other during the study. The total duration of your participation would depend on how long you are able to continue with these monthly measurements, but the funding is specifically for monthly measurements over seven months, so you would likely be involved for that period.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Royal Marsden HospitalLondon, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is sarcopenia or cachexia?
Sarcopenia is a common problem of losing muscle as people get older. Cachexia is a more serious type of weight and muscle loss often seen in people with long-term illnesses like cancer.
Will I get any special treatment in this study?
No, this is an 'observational' study. You will receive your usual cancer treatment, and the study will simply collect information and measurements about your body over time.
What kind of measurements will be taken?
Measurements include using a special machine to estimate your body fat, muscle, and water, along with measuring your waist, hips, handgrip strength, and calf size.
How long will I need to be in the study?
The study aims to take monthly measurements for about seven months, but you'll need to attend at least two appointments starting from when you begin your cancer treatment.
Will my information be kept private?
Yes, all your personal and medical information collected during the study will be handled with strict confidentiality and stored securely to protect your privacy.
How to find out more
Lucy Eldridge, M.Sc. (Hons) Cancer Care Award
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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