Sarcopenia and Cachexia in Patients with Lung Cancer (PHILUCA)

Zealand University Hospital

Status: Invitation-only

Conditions: Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC); Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06730685

SJ-1081 (Other Identifier)

PHILUCA

Details and patient eligibility

About

The PHILICA study investigates whether muscle mass, muscle strength, and muscle function are associated with treatment tolerance, quality of life and survival in patients with lung cancer. It also aims to explore why some patients face challenges in completing their treatment. The findings may contribute to improved strategies for supporting patients and developing more precise and individualized treatment plans in the future.

Full description

The PHILUCA prospective cohort study investigates the relationship between sarcopenia, cachexia, and change in muscle parameters with both treatment tolerance, quality of life and survival in patients with lung cancer (n=180). It aims to identify factors associated with difficulties in completing oncological treatment and to elucidate patterns that may inform improved patient support and individualized treatment planning. The study involves non-invasive physical assessments, patient-reported questionnaires, and the analysis of routinely collected medical data.

Assessments of muscle mass, muscle strength, muscle function, and quality of life are conducted at key time points, including at diagnosis, three months, and six months into treatment. For patients undergoing chemotherapy, muscle strength- and function tests are - in addition to the planned assessments - also performed before each treatment cycle, but no later than six months after the diagnosis. Physical tests are performed during routine hospital visits, requiring no additional appointments. Body composition analysis is performed using Computed Tomography scans obtained as part of standard care, without additional imaging procedures.

All participants receive standard lung cancer treatment, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or combinations thereof, based on disease type and stage. The study does not interfere with or modify standard care protocols. Participants unwilling or unable to fully participate may still contribute by completing a baseline questionnaire and consenting to the use of medical record data.

The study seeks to advance the understanding of how muscle-related parameters influence cancer treatment outcomes. The findings are anticipated to inform strategies for optimizing treatment tolerance, improving patient outcomes, and tailoring supportive care interventions for individuals with lung cancer.

Enrollment: 180 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age ≥ 18 years of age
• Diagnosed with lung cancer (all types and stages) and scheduled for oncological treatment
• More than 3 months expected survival

Exclusion criteria

• Competing cancer
• Pregnancy
• Severe physical or cognitive disabilities preventing physical testing and informend consent
• Not able to read and understand Danish