Background
Body composition changes for men receiving Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for Prostate cancer is well documented in the literature as are the long term effects. In May 2021, the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute (MNCCI) Port Macquarie commenced baseline body composition of Skeletal Muscle Mass (SMM) and Fat Mass (FM) measurements on men diagnosed with prostate cancer using the ImpediMed Bio Impedance SOZO Digital Health Platform.
Aims
Investigate and explore baseline Skeletal Muscle and Fat mass measurements to consider the usefulness and consideration of imbedding the SOZO Digital health platform into nursing practice to improve the quality of care in patients.
Method
An Observational study from May 2021 to March 2023. The MNCCI Port Macquarie commenced performing baseline body composition measurements on newly diagnosed prostate cancer men using the ImpediMed Bio Impedance SOZO Digital Health Platform. The Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse (PCSN) of Port Macquarie met with patient’s following their consultation and discussion with the Radiation Oncologists to introduce and undertake the SOZO. Patients with Pacemakers or electronic implanted devices are excluded and those patients who declined the procedure are not included in the Data.
Results
The SOZO results of 183 patients were analysed including data from patient ages ranging from 51-89 years (mean age 71.4years). More than 75% of patients presented with an abnormal baseline SMM prior to ADT commencement. Less than 10% of patients had normal fat mass and 60% presented with very high fat mass.
Implications for research
The SOZO has been successfully imbedded into routine patient care screening supported by the PCSN role as an objective noninvasive screening tool to measure SMM and FM at MNCCI Port Macquarie. This has highlighted concerning results with the identification of abnormal baseline results for patients commencing ADT in the context of expected body composition changes associated with this treatment. Future plans to monitor the direct effects of ADT with routine SOZO measures, will support the targeted monitoring of the effectiveness of structured exercises programs with the assistance of an exercise physiologist. This may potentially guide the care of patients who have muscle related comorbidities such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke and muscular degenerative disorder to facilitate early cessation of ADT.