2020 Volume 71 Issue 5 Pages 358-363
Japan is aging at a very rapid pace unprecedented in human history. Recently, sarcopenia, which is a condition characterized by loss of muscle mass, muscle strength and muscle function, has attracted attention not only in the general population but also in patients with esophageal cancer. Sarcopenia has been reported to be a predictor for postoperative complications following esophagectomy and poor prognosis. In addition, sarcopenia in patients undergoing chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy was reported to be associated with toxicity and termination of chemotherapy. To prevent loss of skeletal muscle and improve muscle strength and function, a combination of nutrition and exercise therapies was reported to be effective. The safety and efficacy of perioperative intervention for patients with esophageal cancer undergoing esophagectomy should be examined in future studies.
