Elevated body mass index (BMI) is independently associated with a higher risk of multiple myeloma (MM). The influence of BMI on overall survival (OS) remains unclear, however, and available studies report conflicting findings on mortality of MM related to BMI. Wang and colleagues reported findings from a study of newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients that evaluated the association of BMI and different life stages from time of diagnosis to OS.
A total of 583 patients with NDMM were prospectively enrolled from 2010 to 2019, and followed until December 31, 2020, with an average follow-up of 77.8 months. At time of diagnosis, an epidemiology questionnaire and blood samples were collected. In addition, baseline clinical, cytogenetic, and treatment data were collected from electronic medical records. From questionnaires and electronic medical records, BMI was calculated using information on height and weight.
Median age at diagnosis was 63 years; 45% of patients were women, and 27% were black. A total of 176 (31%) deaths occurred during follow-up. In the ensuing longitudinal analysis, researchers reported no significant association between elevated BMI and OS after adjusting for age, race, sex, and prognostic factors. No racial association between BMI and OS was observed; however, women with a BMI ≥30, classified as obese at the time of diagnosis, experienced better OS compared with patients with a normal BMI (hazard ratio [HR], 0.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12-0.54 for obese vs normal weight). Furthermore, obesity in men at the time of diagnosis was associated with a worse OS (HR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.18-5.49).
These novel findings may have clinical significance because BMI is a risk factor that can be modified with appropriate lifestyle changes. Given the study limitations, however, cause and effect cannot be ascertained. Nevertheless, the data warrant further research and investigation.
Source
Wang B, Derman BA, Langerman S, et al. Body mass index and overall survival in multiple myeloma. Presented at: American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting; June 3-7, 2022; Chicago, IL.