Pretreatment Skeletal Muscle Index and Survival Outcomes in Non-Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundSkeletal muscle index (SMI), a measure of muscle mass derived from pretreatment imaging, has emerged as a potential prognostic factor in cancer. Its role in non-metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), where curative treatment is possible, remains underexplored.PurposeTo evaluate the association between pretreatment SMI and survival outcomes, specifically overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), in patients with non-metastatic CRC through a systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to March 24, 2025, for studies reporting SMI (measured via CT scan at L3) and survival outcomes in non-metastatic CRC. Studies were assessed for quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was evaluated with the I2 statistic.ResultsSeventeen studies, comprising 16,031 patients, were included. Low SMI was associated with a 28% higher risk of overall mortality (pooled HR for OS: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.04-1.57, p = 0.02) and a 23% higher risk of recurrence/progression (pooled HR for DFS: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.02-1.49, p = 0.02). Heterogeneity was high reflecting variability in SMI cutoffs and study designs.ConclusionLow pretreatment SMI is a significant predictor of poorer OS and DFS in non-metastatic CRC. Its routine assessment via existing CT scans could enhance risk stratification and guide interventions to improve outcomes. High study heterogeneity warrants further research to standardize measurement thresholds and clarify its clinical utility.