Longitudinal changes in skeletal muscle in children undergoing cancer treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: Skeletal muscle loss during chemotherapy has been associated with poorer outcomes and reduced survival across several types of cancer. However, the extent and progression of muscle loss during treatment for childhood cancers remain unclear. A better understanding could help identify children at increased risk and inform the timing of targeted intervention. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the evidence on skeletal muscle changes during treatment for childhood cancers and identify factors that influence these outcomes. A systematic search was conducted in CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. Studies were eligible if they included children and adolescents (< 19 years) undergoing cancer treatment and reported muscle quantity at a minimum of two t

SUBMITTER: Markarian AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12313780 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature