Evaluating the effect of weight status on the outcomes of adults with acute myeloid leukemia

This study aimed to investigate the effect of obesity on overall survival in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. This study concluded that obese patients had poorer overall survival compared to those who had a normal weight.   

Body mass index (BMI) is a measurement of weight in relation to the height of a person. A BMI of 18.5 – 25 kg/m² is considered normal weight. A BMI of 25 – 30 kg/m² is overweight and a BMI above 30 kg/m² is considered obesity. Obesity is generally known as a risk factor for cancer.

However, it was unknown if obesity is a factor that influences the outcomes for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). 

This study involved 314 patients with AML. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on their BMI. These 3 groups were normal or underweight, overweight and obese. 28% of patients had normal weight, 34% were overweight, and 38% were obese. In 92% of obese patients, the actual body weight was used to dose chemotherapy. 

33% of the normal weight group received HCT. 32% of the overweight group and 25% of the obese group received HCT. The obese group had more additional medical conditions than the other groups. 

Complete remission was achieved by 39% of the normal weight and overweight groups and 37% of the obese group. Obesity was associated with a 40% lower overall survival (OS) compared to normal-weight, but not overweight patients. 

This study concluded that obese patients with AML had lower OS compared to those who were of normal weight.   

This study was based on medical records. Information might have been missing. Also, chemotherapy regimens used varied. Further studies are needed.