title: Weight changes correlate with alterations in subjective physical function in advanced cancer patients referred to a specialized nutrition and rehabilitation team.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to assess whether short-term weight gain correlates with improvements in subjective markers of quality of life and physical function in patients referred to a clinic for management of cancer cachexia.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective review of the records of 306 patients referred to a specialized multi-disciplinary supportive care team with particular interest in treating cancer cachexia. Weight changes between each of the first three clinic visits, were correlated with the corresponding changes in patient-rated performance status, perceived strength and quality of life. In a second cohort of 56 patients, the correlation between perceived strength and quality of life was re-tested using a more detailed quality of life tool.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Even over short time intervals positive correlations were observed for weight change vs. change in patient-rated performance status (Rs > 0.15, P < 0.05), and for changes in perceived strength vs. quality of life (Rs > 0.33, P < 0.001). The correlation between changes in patient-rated strength and quality of life was consistent across all subgroups studied and was reproducible when using a different, validated, quality of life tool (FAACT) in a second independent patient cohort.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Weight gains are associated with subjective improvements in physical functioning, and changes in perceived physical strength are consistently correlated with quality of life.
authors: Segal Cancer Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Cote Ste Catherine, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada.
authors: Monica P
authors: MP
authors: Parmar
authors: Tara
authors: T
authors: Swanson
authors: R Thomas
authors: RT
authors: Jagoe
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002100:Cachexia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009752:Nutritional Status; D018529:Nutritional Support / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015430:Weight Gain