Summary
Obesity paradox in lung cancer: Study finds obesity associated with improved survival in NSCLC patients, particularly those with preserved skeletal muscle quality and quantity.
Obesity Paradox in Lung Cancer: New Study Finds Association with Improved Survival
A recent study published in Radiology has found that obesity is associated with improved overall survival (OS) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly those who do not have low skeletal muscle mass (LSMM) or myosteatosis. The study, conducted by Juhee Cho and colleagues, included 7,076 Korean patients with NSCLC who underwent curative resection between 2008 and 2019.
The researchers found that patients with obesity had a 21% reduced risk of death compared to those without obesity. This association was driven by patients who did not have LSMM or myosteatosis, suggesting that preserved skeletal muscle quality and quantity may play a crucial role in the “obesity paradox,” where patients with cancer and obesity seem to have better survival rates.
The study also found that the association between obesity and lower mortality was observed only in male patients and those who had ever smoked, who did not have LSMM and myosteatosis. Additionally, patients with obesity had a 13% lower risk of recurrence or death compared to those without obesity.
The researchers noted that while body mass index (BMI) is a useful tool for initial assessment, it should be complemented by detailed body composition measurements to better understand the obesity paradox in NSCLC. This is because BMI does not differentiate between different types of adipose tissue and may overestimate or underestimate obesity in certain cases.
The study’s findings align with previous studies that have emphasized the role of skeletal muscle mass in the obesity paradox. The researchers propose that patients with obesity whose skeletal muscle quality and quantity are preserved may drive this paradox, highlighting the essential contribution of skeletal muscle to this phenomenon.
Key Points:
- Obesity is associated with improved overall survival in patients with NSCLC, particularly those who do not have LSMM or myosteatosis.
- The association between obesity and lower mortality is observed only in male patients and those who have ever smoked, who do not have LSMM and myosteatosis.
- Patients with obesity have a 13% lower risk of recurrence or death compared to those without obesity.
- BMI should be complemented by detailed body composition measurements to better understand the obesity paradox in NSCLC.
- Further research is needed to determine if these associations persist in other populations.
