Abstract
PurposeThere is a lack of comprehensive analysis on the associations between malnutrition, body composition, and clinical, anthropometric, biochemical, nutrition-inflammation markers, mineral and trace element levels, cytokine concentrations, and antioxidant activity in patients with cancer. Differences regarding sex at birth, ethnicity, and cancer types and stages further contribute to variations in body composition and mineral and trace element levels. This study examines factors associated with malnutrition and body composition, adjusting for relevant clinical, biochemical, nutritional data, and lifestyle confounders.MethodsIn total, 78 male patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer (HNC) or nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) were recruited. Clinical characteristics (e.g., age, tumor status, and performance status), lifestyle factors, anthropometric data, nutrition-inflammation markers, plasma levels of minerals, trace elements, and cytokines as well as antioxidant activity were determined and analyzed using multivariable logistic regression and analysis of covariance models.ResultsHalf of the patients (50.3%) exhibited advanced grades of BMI-adjusted body weight loss (BWL), and nearly 90% had C-reactive protein levels exceeding 5 mg/L, reflecting poor nutritional status and elevated inflammation, despite being medically fit for chemotherapy. Plasma copper levels were independently associated with BMI-adjusted BWL as well as with lean body mass and total fat mass. Similarly, plasma zinc levels showed an independent association with total fat mass.ConclusionsPlasma levels of trace elements, including copper and zinc, are strongly correlated with malnutrition and body composition in male patients with recurrent or metastatic HNC or NPC.