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01-12-2016 | Musculoskeletal

Adipose tissue and muscle attenuation as novel biomarkers predicting mortality in patients with extremity sarcomas

Authors: Joyce Veld, Josephina A. Vossen, Karen De Amorim Bernstein, Elkan F. Halpern, Martin Torriani, Miriam A. Bredella

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 12/2016

Abstract

Objectives

To assess CT-attenuation of abdominal adipose tissue and psoas muscle as predictors of mortality in patients with sarcomas of the extremities.

Methods

Our study was IRB approved and HIPAA compliant. The study group comprised 135 patients with history of extremity sarcoma (mean age: 53 ± 17 years) who underwent whole body PET/CT. Abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and psoas muscle attenuation (HU) was assessed on non-contrast, attenuation-correction CT. Clinical information including survival, tumour stage, sarcoma type, therapy and pre-existing comorbidities were recorded. Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine longitudinal associations between adipose tissue and muscle attenuation and mortality.

Results

There were 47 deaths over a mean follow-up period of 20 ± 17 months. Higher SAT and lower psoas attenuation were associated with increased mortality (p = 0.03 and p = 0.005, respectively), which remained significant after adjustment for age, BMI, sex, tumor stage, therapy, and comorbidities (p = 0.002 and p = 0.02, respectively). VAT attenuation was not associated with mortality.

Conclusion

Attenuation of SAT and psoas muscle, assessed on non-contrast CT, are predictors of mortality in patients with extremity sarcomas, independent of other established prognostic factors, suggesting that adipose tissue and muscle attenuation could serve as novel biomarkers for mortality in patients with sarcomas.

Key Points

• CT-attenuation of adipose tissue and muscle predict mortality in sarcoma patients

• CT-attenuation predicts mortality independent of established prognostic factors

• Patients with sarcomas often undergo CT for staging or surveillance

• Adipose tissue and muscle attenuation could serve as biomarkers for mortality

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Title: Adipose tissue and muscle attenuation as novel biomarkers predicting mortality in patients with extremity sarcomas
Authors: Joyce Veld
Josephina A. Vossen
Karen De Amorim Bernstein
Elkan F. Halpern
Martin Torriani
Miriam A. Bredella
Publication date: 01-12-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 12/2016
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-016-4306-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Adipose tissue and muscle attenuation as novel biomarkers predicting mortality in patients with extremity sarcomas

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key Points

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key Points

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