Computed Tomography-Based Sarcopenia and Pancreatic Cancer Survival—A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Exploring the Influence of Definition Criteria, Prevalence, and Treatment Intention

Abstract

Background: Sarcopenia has been associated with poor outcomes in pancreatic cancer (PC). However, published results are heterogeneous in terms of study design, oncological outcomes, and sarcopenia measurements. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the impact of computed tomography (CT)-based sarcopenia on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with PC, considering potential confounders such as the CT-based method and thresholds used to define sarcopenia, as well as treatment intention. Methods: We systematically searched databases for observational studies reporting hazard ratios (HRs) for OS and PFS in PC patients stratified by CT-based sarcopenia status. Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled crude and adjusted HRs (cHRs and aHRs, respectively), with subgroup analyses based on sarcopenia measurement methods, cutoff values, sarcopenia prevalence, and treatment intention. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 and τ2 statistics, and publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger’s test. Results: Data from 48 studies were included. Sarcopenia was significantly associated with worse OS (pooled cHR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.38–1.82; pooled aHR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.16–1.66) and worse PFS (pooled cHR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.29–1.86; pooled aHR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.11–1.55). Subgroup analyses revealed significantly different, stronger associations in studies using stricter sarcopenia cutoffs (<50 cm2/m2 for males) and in patients undergoing curative treatments. Heterogeneity was substantial across analyses (I2 > 67%), but with generally low τ2 values (0.01–0.25). Egger’s test indicated potential publication bias for OS (p < 0.001), but no significant bias was observed for PFS (p = 0.576). Conclusions: Sarcopenia determined by CT is an independent predictor of poor OS and PFS in PC, but this association varies depending on the cutoff used for its definition as well as on the treatment intention. Therefore, its routine assessment in clinical practice could provide valuable prognostic information, but future research should focus on standardizing sarcopenia assessment methods.