Weight issue in chemo-Rx for early breast cancer

Q: 42 years old female is admitted to ICU with fever, neutropenia, and sepsis while going through chemotherapy cycles for her early-stage breast cancer. Electronic Medical Record (EMR) showed a significant increase in her weight. Weight gain is unlikely during chemotherapy and must be an error.

A) True

B) False

Answer: B

Although the conventional belief is that patients lose weight during chemotherapy, almost all women gain weight during chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer, particularly premenopausal women. There are various reasons for this paradox, such as energy imbalances provoked by chemotherapy, hormonal alterations, and changes in adiposity that induce insulin resistance.

Moreover, obesity is associated with inferior outcomes in women treated for breast cancer. All endeavors should be applied to prevent obesity, such as diet management via nutritionists and exercise programs.

#oncology

References:

1. Vance V, Mourtzakis M, McCargar L, Hanning R. Weight gain in breast cancer survivors: prevalence, pattern and health consequences. Obes Rev 2011; 12:282.

2. Gadéa E, Thivat E, Planchat E, et al. Importance of metabolic changes induced by chemotherapy on prognosis of early-stage breast cancer patients: a review of potential mechanisms. Obes Rev 2012; 13:368.

3. Ligibel JA, Bohlke K, May AM, et al. Exercise, Diet, and Weight Management During Cancer Treatment: ASCO Guideline. J Clin Oncol 2022; 40:2491.