From OncoLog, May 2008, Vol. 53, No. 5

In Brief

Overweight, Obese Patients Fare Worse with Breast Cancer, Researchers Find

A higher body-mass index (BMI) indicates a worse prognosis for women with locally advanced breast tumors, M. D. Anderson researchers recently reported. The retrospective study of more than 600 patients suggests that dietary interventions should be included in the treatment of locally advanced breast cancer, including inflammatory breast cancer.

Researchers assigned women to one of three BMI score groups: 24.9 or lower (normal weight/underweight); 25 to 29.9 (overweight); and 30 or higher (obese). All patients had stage III (locally advanced, nonmetastatic) inflammatory or noninflammatory breast cancer.

Overweight and obese patients with noninflammatory breast cancer had 5-year overall survival rates of 58.3% and 58.6%, respectively, whereas normal weight/underweight patients with noninflammatory breast cancer had a 5-year overall survival rate of 69.3%. Similarly, overweight and obese patients with inflammatory breast cancer had 5-year overall survival rates of 45.3% and 49.3%, respectively, compared with 55.1% for normal weight/underweight patients with inflammatory breast cancer. Overweight and obese patients also had a higher incidence of recurrence than normal weight/underweight patients, researchers found.

Previous studies have identified such factors as tumor size, lymph node involvement, estrogen receptor status, and protein expression profile as prognostic indicators for breast cancer. “We believe our study is the first to evaluate BMI as a prognostic tool for women with breast cancer,” said senior author Massimo Cristofanilli, M.D., an associate professor in M. D. Anderson’s Department of Breast Medical Oncology. With a link now established between BMI and outcome, clinicians should consider lifestyle interventions and more frequent follow-ups for overweight and obese patients with locally advanced breast cancer, Dr. Cristofanilli said.

Next, the research team plans to study other factors related to obesity in breast cancer patients, including leptin (a hormone involved in the regulation of appetite and metabolism), insulin, and estrogen levels.

For more information on this topic or for questions about M. D. Anderson’s treatments, programs, or services, call askMDAnderson at (877) MDA-6789.

TOP

Home/Current Issue | Previous Issues | Articles by Topic | Patient Education
About Oncolog | Contact OncoLog | Sign Up for E-mail Alerts

©2008 The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030
1-877-MDA-6789 (USA) / 1-713-792-3245  
 Patient Referral    Legal Statements    Privacy Policy