Association between obesity and bladder cancer recurrence: A meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Epidemiology
• Metabolic Syndrome

Background:

• The prognostic impact of obesity on bladder cancer outcomes remains unclear.
• Existing research presents conflicting evidence regarding obesity's association with bladder cancer survival and recurrence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically evaluate the relationship between obesity and bladder cancer prognosis.
• To determine if obesity affects overall survival (OS) and recurrence rates in bladder cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive meta-analysis of published English-language studies was conducted.
• Data from eleven studies were pooled using random-effects models to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
• Dose-response, subgroup, and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore associations further.

Main Results:

• Obese patients exhibited a significantly higher rate of bladder cancer recurrence (HR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.36-2.28).
• Stratification revealed a higher recurrence risk in females compared to males (HR=1.17, 95% CI: 1.05-1.31).
• No significant association was found between obesity and bladder cancer overall survival (HR=1.21, 95% CI: 0.97-1.52).
• A linear dose-response relationship indicated that each 1 kg/m² increase in BMI was associated with a 1.3% increased risk of recurrence (HR=1.01, 95% CI: 1.01-1.02).

Conclusions:

• Obesity is identified as a potential risk factor contributing to bladder cancer recurrence.
• The findings suggest that weight management may be important for improving outcomes in bladder cancer patients.