Physical function as a prognostic biomarker among cancer survivors.
BACKGROUND
We tested the hypothesis that objectively measured physical function predicts mortality among cancer survivors.


METHODS
We assessed objectively measured physical function including the short physical performance battery (SPPB) and fast walk speed in older adult cancer survivors.


RESULTS
Among 413 cancer survivors, 315 (76%) died during a median follow-up of 11.0 years. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, each 1-unit increase in the SPPB score and 0.1 m s(-1) increase in fast walk speed predicted a 12% reduction in mortality (hazard ratio (HR): 0.88 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.82-0.94); P<0.001, and HR: 0.88 (95% CI: 0.82-0.96); P=0.003, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Objectively measured physical function may predict mortality among cancer survivors.
Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 423 Guardian Drive, 8th Floor, Blockley Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Brown
Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 423 Guardian Drive, 8th Floor, Blockley Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Harhay
1] Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 423 Guardian Drive, 8th Floor, Blockley Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA [2] Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension Division, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Harhay
D000368:Aged; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality*; D011379:Prognosis; D017741:Survivors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor