Evaluating the prognostic value of body mass index in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a systematic review and...

The prognostic significance of body mass index (BMI) in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remains uncertain. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the associations between BMI and overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with DLBCL.

A systematic search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase was conducted up to April 14, 2026, with additional reference screening. Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Of 764 records identified, 23 studies were included. In the main analyses, overweight status, defined according to study-specific thresholds, including Asian-specific cutoffs where applicable, was associated with better OS (HR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.73-0.92, P = 0.001) and PFS (HR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.72-0.96, P = 0.011). These associations remained consistent in subgroup analyses restricted to studies using R-CHOP-like regimens, multivariable-adjusted estimates, and normal-weight patients as the reference group. In BMI category-specific analyses, underweight status was associated with inferior OS (HR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.30-2.64, P = 0.001) and PFS (HR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.11-2.42, P = 0.013). By contrast, overweight status was associated with better OS (HR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.70-0.84, P < 0.001) and PFS (HR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.69-0.93, P = 0.004). Obesity was not significantly associated with either OS (HR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.75-1.15, P = 0.508) or PFS (HR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.80-1.13, P = 0.541).

Available evidence suggests that overweight status may be associated with better survival outcomes in DLBCL, whereas underweight status may be associated with poorer prognosis. Current evidence remains insufficient to confirm a significant prognostic impact of obesity.

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42024607212.