Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether an association exists between post-operative chemotherapy weight change and breast cancer control and survival, specifically within a high-risk population of women with node-positive breast cancer diagnosed and treated in the contemporary setting.

Methods: A retrospective investigation with the following eligibility criteria: women who underwent primary surgical therapy for invasive breast cancer, were found to have pathologic evidence of nodal involvement, and were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Demographic, tumor-, and treatment-related data were recorded and analyzed for association with disease control and survival outcomes. The post-operative/pre-chemotherapy weight and BMI served as the baseline comparator for future weight/BMI changes.

Results: From January 2004 through December 2008, 52 patients were identified for inclusion. At a median follow-up of 77.2 months (range 19.9–119.4, with 85% followed >5 years), 8 patients experienced disease recurrence and 7 patients had died (3 with recurrent disease). Analysis of factors associated with study endpoints identified absolute weight and BMI change at 1, 3, and 4 years post-chemotherapy completion as significantly inversely associated with overall survival, but not associated with freedom from failure. Additionally, a statistically significant association between number of lymph nodes involved and freedom from failure was identified.

Conclusion: This investigation did not detect statistically significant associations between weight or BMI change during chemotherapy and disease control or survival within this high-risk population, while the number of lymph nodes involved was directly related to risk of disease failure. Weight change at intervals following chemotherapy completion demonstrated some association with overall survival.

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