Hand Grip Strength and Prognosis in Hospitalized Cancer Patients

Hand grip strength declines with age and is associated with frailty, sarcopenia, and cancer cachexia. It is a reliable prognostic marker in cancer patients. In this prospective cohort study, hospitalized patients with pathologically confirmed cancer will undergo hand grip strength measurement within the first 24 hours of admission using a calibrated hand dynamometer. Measurements will be performed on the dominant hand, with patients seated, following international standardized procedures. Three consecutive measurements will be obtained, and the average value will be recorded. Assessments will be conducted by oncology clinicians trained in the protocol. Patients will be followed for 30 days to evaluate primary and secondary endpoints, including all-cause mortality, functional decline, length of hospital stay, intensive care unit admission, readmission, and major complications.