Is there a link between weight gain and treatment outcomes for non small cell lung cancer?

This study examined the link between weight gain and survival in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The authors concluded that patients who experience weight gain during treatment have a survival  benefit compared to those who continue to lose weight. 

Unintentional weight loss occurs among patients with NSCLC and has been associated with worse survival. Previous studies have shown that patients whose weight stabilized while on treatment for cancer had better survival than those who continued to lose weight. It has therefore been suggested that weight fluctuations during cancer treatment can give an indication of treatment outcomes.

This trial aimed to analyze the association between weight and survival in patients with NSCLC. 

Three separate trials involving 2,301 patients with NSCLC were included in this analysis. The patients had late-stage NSCLC and were undergoing chemotherapy as first-line therapy. 421 of the patients experienced weight gain of at least 5% during treatment. These patients were compared to the remaining 1,880 patients who did not experience a weight gain of over 5%.

Patients who experienced a 5% weight gain had 46% longer overall survival (time from beginning of trial until death from any cause). They also had 41% longer progression free survival (time from beginning of trial until disease progression or death). These patients were also 4.2 times more likely to have cancer that responds to treatment completely, partially, or remains stable. Similar results were observed among patients who experienced any weight gain. Patients with a body mass index (a measure of body fat that takes weight and height into account) over 25 showed the greatest survival advantage. 

The authors concluded that there is an association between weight gain and increased survival for patients with NSCLC.