Increased body mass index predicts prolonged survival in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Issue 2 (12th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wu, Eric L.; Peesay, Tejasvi; Randall, James A.; Nelson, Lacey L.; Shearer, Sarah C.; Johnson, Bria C.; Maxwell, Jessica H.
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 44:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 325
• Page End: 331
• Publication Date: 2021-11-12
• Subjects: BMI -- oropharyngeal cancer -- squamous cell carcinoma -- survival -- veterans; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.26922
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Higher body mass index (BMI) may have a protective effect on survival in patients with head and neck cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of BMI on overall survival (OS) in veterans with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods: A cohort of 702 patients diagnosed with HNSCC between 1995 and 2019 were identified at the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and 342 patients were included for analysis. Records were queried for clinical‐demographic data, BMI, and outcomes. Results: HNSCC patients categorized as overweight or obese at time of diagnosis had a lower 3‐year risk of death ( p = 0.033) and improved OS ( p < 0.001) compared to patients who were underweight or normal weight. The majority of locoregional recurrences occurred in patients with low or normal pretreatment BMI. Conclusions: Higher BMI at diagnosis may have a protective effect on OS in veterans with HNSCC.