The effect of patient weight on prostate cancer progression

The authors aimed to determine the effects of weight in prostate cancer progression under active surveillance. 

Active surveillance involves actively monitoring tumor growth and development in a patient without administering treatment. Prostate cancer patients undergoing active surveillance who have a high body mass index (BMI – body fat based on height and weight – BMIs over 30kg/m² classified as obese) are suggested to be more at risk of experiencing cancer progression during treatment.

The aim of this study was to determine whether BMI had an effect on cancer progression in patients undergoing active surveillance.

311 patients were used in this study. All patients met the criteria for active surveillance but elected to undergo prostate surgery without any follow-up treatment. High BMI was significantly associated with prostate cancer growth and progression from the prostate gland. Overweight patients with a BMI between 25-40 had 25%- 85% increased risk of experiencing unfavorable disease compared to patients who had average BMI scores.

Patients who had high BMI scores were 21% more likely to experience cancer upgrading (cancer is upgraded from a low risk to an intermediate or high risk case), were 23% more likely to experience cancer upstaging (tumor has grown in size). These patients were also 27% more likely to experience seminal vesicle invasion (cancer has spread into the tubes surrounding the prostate gland). 

The authors concluded that high BMI scores can be an predictor of prostate cancer progression in patients undergoing active surveillance. 

This study only included patients who had undergone prostate surgery so results may be biased. 

If you are considering active surveillance as a treatment option and have concerns regarding your BMI, please consult your doctor.