Body composition changes in breast cancer patients during curative radiation therapy

SummaryBackground & AimsWeight gain is associated with breast cancer treatment. This prospective study determined if body weight, fat-free mass (FFM) and body fat mass (BF) change and if changes are related to psychosocial factors or changes in physical activity or food intake during curative radiotherapy. This is the first longitudinal study of body composition during curative breast cancer radiotherapy.MethodsThirty-seven patients were measured for FFM and BF by 50 kHz-bioelectrical impedances analysis, evaluated by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and evaluated by standard questionnaires for levels of fatigue, appetite and physical activity at the beginning (T0), at the end (TE) and 6 weeks post-radiotherapy (TP).ResultsSignificant body weight gains were detected at TE (0.6+1.2 kg) and TP (1.2+1.8 kg) compared to T0, between TP and TE (0.6+1.2 kg); as well as FFM gains between TP (0.8+1.1 kg) and T0 and between TP and TE (0.7+1.2 kg). Fatigue levels increased, activity levels and appetite decreased during treatment without significant decrease in food intake.ConclusionsSmall gains in body weight, FFM and BF were detected during and after radiotherapy. The increased fatigue levels reported during radiotherapy appear to be associated with reduced appetite and reduced physical activity. Body composition measurement can determine the respective contribution of FFM and BF before, during and after curative radiotherapy for breast cancer.