Body weight and body composition among Japanese childhood
leukemia/lymphoma survivors
Abstract
Purpose: The study aimed to determine the body composition of Japanese
adult survivors with childhood cancer. Methods: Between August 2018 and
September 2019, we recruited adults aged ≥18 years who had childhood
leukemia/lymphoma. Blood sampling, body composition measurement by
bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), grip strength test, nutrition
consultation, and screen viewing time survey were conducted. Results: We
analyzed the data of 81 survivors with a median age of 25 years. The
disease profile comprised 51 cases of acute lymphocytic leukemia, 20
acute myelocytic leukemias, and 10 lymphomas; 34 patients had undergone
hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The average body mass
index (BMI) was 21 kg/m2. Of the patients, 10 (12%) were obese and 18
(22%) were lean. Three patients had metabolic syndromes (MS) and 9 had
sarcopenia. There was no significant difference in the frequency of
obesity, sarcopenia, and MS in each disease; however, sarcopenia was
significantly higher in the transplant group. Further, 30% of obese
patients had MS, and 33% of lean patients had sarcopenia. Discussion:
Leanness and sarcopenia are common in HSCT survivors, and the possible
involvement of transplant-related complications is accordingly
suspected. The effects of lifestyle cannot be ruled out, and more cases
must be analyzed to examine risk factors. Conclusion: Some young adult
survivors with childhood leukemia/lymphoma may have metabolic syndrome
(MS) or sarcopenia. Assessments of body composition by BIA for childhood
cancer survivors could benefit to detect MS or sarcopenia in their young
adulthood.