Association between Weight Loss and Survival Outcomes in Patients with Esophageal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Weight loss is a common symptom in patients with esophageal cancer and can negatively impact survival outcomes. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate the relationship between weight loss and survival outcomes in individuals diagnosed with esophageal cancer. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies reporting the association between weight loss and overall survival or progression-free survival in patients with esophageal cancer. Pooled adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. Eleven studies involving 3,566 esophageal cancer patients were included. The pooled results indicated that weight loss was significantly associated with poorer overall survival (HR 1.68; 95% CI 1.49-1.90) and progression-free survival (HR 1.61; 95% CI 1.39-1.86). Subgroup analyses revealed a numerically higher HR for overall survival in patients aged 60 years or younger, those assessed for weight loss during treatment, patients with a follow-up duration exceeding 36 months, and individuals diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. Weight loss was significantly associated with poorer overall survival in patients with esophageal cancer. Regarding progression-free survival, a preliminary pooled analysis based on only two studies suggested a potential association; however, this finding requires confirmation in future research.