Low Alanine Aminotransferase, as a Marker of Sarcopenia and Frailty, Is Associated with Shorter Survival Among Prostate Cancer Patients and Survivors. A Retrospective Cohort Analysis of 4064 Patients
Menachem Laufer, Maxim Perelman, Michal Sarfaty, Edward Itelman, Gad Segal
Abstract
Background: Sarcopenia is characterized by loss of muscle mass and function and is associated with frailty, a syndrome with higher likelihood of falls, fractures, physical disability, and mortality. Both frailty and sarcopenia are known markers of shorter survival in various cancer patient populations. Low alanine aminotransferase (ALT), reflecting loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia), may be associated with greater frailty and shorter survival in multiple cancers. Objective: To assess the potential association between low ALT and shorter survival among prostate cancer (PCa) patients and survivors. Design setting and participants: This was a retrospective analysis of a historical cohort of PCa patients and survivors. Patients were defined as those still actively receiving PCa treatment, while those no longer receiving such treatment were classified as PCa survivors. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: ALT data were obtained from results for basic biochemical blood testing carried out for patients on their first hospital admission. Patients were divided into two groups: those with ALT ≥17 IU/l and those with ALT <17 IU/l. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted for between-group survival comparisons. Results and limitations: = 0.001). Limitations include the single-center, retrospective design. Conclusions: Low ALT, which is indicative of sarcopenia and frailty, is associated with shorter survival among PCa patients and survivors and could potentially be used for treatment personalization. Patient summary: We compared survival for prostate cancer patients and survivors according to their blood level of the protein alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Low ALT levels in the general population are associated with loss of muscle mass. We found that in our group of prostate cancer patients and survivors, the risk of death from any cause was higher for those with low ALT levels.