Obesity and cancer

Q: Obese patients tend to have poor outcomes from chemotherapy?

A) True
B) False



Answer: A

The objective of the above question is to highlight one of the predictors which lead to poor outcomes in obese oncology patients. Most obese patients receive underdosing of anticancer agents. This is either due to the use of ideal or adjusted body weight or capping of the anti-cancer agent's dose. This issue has become more prevalent as the incidence of obesity has increased exponentially in society. With poor response more obese oncology patients tend to get admitted to ICU. 

#oncology
#pharmacology


References:

1. Reeves GK, Pirie K, Beral V, et al. Cancer incidence and mortality in relation to body mass index in the Million Women Study: cohort study. BMJ 2007; 335:1134. 

2.  Field KM, Kosmider S, Jefford M, et al. Chemotherapy dosing strategies in the obese, elderly, and thin patient: results of a nationwide survey. J Oncol Pract 2008; 4:108. 

3.  Griggs JJ, Sorbero ME, Lyman GH. Undertreatment of obese women receiving breast cancer chemotherapy. Arch Intern Med 2005; 165:1267.