About Careers MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Link Between Obesity and Breast Cancer Outcomes

by Sheela Philomena on December 8, 2011 at 3:31 PM
Font : A-A+

 Link Between Obesity and Breast Cancer Outcomes

Obesity is linked to worse outcomes in early-stage breast cancer, shows study.

Obesity was linked to shorter time to recurrence (TTR), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The exception was treatment with endocrine therapy (mainly tamoxifen), in which obesity was associated with a protective effect.

Advertisement

"The findings add to the body of evidence indicating that obesity, in general, increases a patient''s chance for having a worse prognosis," said lead researcher Sao Jiralerspong, M.D., Ph.D., an assistant professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine.

"Obesity is a probable risk factor for worse breast cancer outcomes, and ours is the latest study to suggest it has an effect on treatment outcome as well," Jiralerspong said.
Advertisement

Using data from the Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center at Baylor, Jiralerspong and colleagues examined the link between weight and treatment modality in 4,368 patients treated between 1970 and 1995.

For the group as a whole, data revealed that overweight patients had similar outcomes to normal-weight patients, but obese patients had an increased risk for worse TTR, DFS and OS.

Among patients who received no adjuvant chemotherapy or endocrine therapy, there was a trend for worse survival outcomes in obese patients compared with normal-weight patients.

Obese patients who received chemotherapy fared significantly worse compared with normal-weight patients, "with the magnitude of this effect approaching that of the degree of benefit expected from chemotherapy," Jiralerspong said.

In contrast, overweight patients who received endocrine therapy, predominantly tamoxifen, fared significantly better compared with normal-weight patients.

"Finding that overweight patients have a better outcome than normal-weight patients after tamoxifen treatment is surprising. We are examining the possible reasons for this," Jiralerspong said.

He said that obesity could contribute to worse outcomes because of biological factors associated with excess weight, such as higher blood insulin and estrogen levels, inflammation and growth factors secreted by fat cells. But Jiralerspong also added that more research is needed to understand the effect of body mass on adjuvant treatment because of the unexpected findings and because additional agents are in use today compared with the time period studied.

The study was funded by the Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center at Baylor College of Medicine.

Source: Newswise
Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Reading

Latest Obesity News

 Diabesity: Discovering the Connecting Link Between Obesity and Diabetes
Researchers examine the role of unknown protein NOTCH2-associated receptor2 (MINAR2) in obesity and diabetes using generated Minar2 knockout (KO) mice.
Beyond the Scalpel: Study Debunks Weight Loss Expectations Post Surgery
Study reports that body contouring after bariatric surgery does not contribute to long-term weight loss in patients with massive weight loss.
Revamping Weight Loss Solutions Using Anti-Obesity Medication
Recently FDA-approved drug semaglutide has proven as a highly effective anti-obesity medication showcasing remarkable weight loss benefits.
Exploring Microbiota's Influence on Weight Development
Gut bacteria profile and abundance in toddlers can serve as a predictive factor for their body mass index (BMI) at age 5, irrespective of premature birth status.
What Are the Consequences of Uncontrolled Hunger in Teenagers Living With Obesity?
Obese individuals were found to have weaker appetite regulation, with factors that inhibit eating behavior.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Link Between Obesity and Breast Cancer Outcomes Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests