Meta-analysis of prevalence and survival impact of low skeletal muscle mass in hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Low skeletal muscle mass (LSMM) is associated with poor outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. With the emergence of new systemic therapies, understanding the effect of LSMM on HCC treatment outcomes is critically important. A systemic review and meta-analysis of 20 studies (2377 patients) found that amg patients receiving systemic therapy for HCC, LSMM was prevalent (43.4% of patients) and associated with worse overall survival, among all patients (HR 1.70; p<0.001) and among patients receiving lenvatinib (HR 1.71; p=0.02) and among patients receiving sorafenib (HR 1.23; p=0.020). The authors conclude that LSMM is prevalent among HCC patients undergoing systemic therapy and is associated with poorer survival. Early intervention or prevention strategies to improve muscle mass may be beneficial for this patient population.