Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the blood cells called plasma cells, which are responsible for producing antibodies that fight infections.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a commonly used indicator of body fat that is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared. Higher BMI values are associated with an increased risk of several health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. This article reviews the relationship between BMI and multiple myeloma survival rates.

Body Mass Index and Multiple Myeloma Risk

Several studies have shown that higher BMI values are associated with an increased risk of developing multiple myeloma.

For example, a large cohort study conducted by the American Cancer Society found that men with a BMI of 35 or higher had a 51% higher risk of developing multiple myeloma than men with a BMI of less than 25. Similarly, women with a BMI of 30 or higher had a 32% higher risk of developing multiple myeloma than women with a BMI of less than 25.

Body Mass Index and Multiple Myeloma Survival Rates

The relationship between BMI and multiple myeloma survival rates is less clear.

Some studies have suggested that higher BMI values are associated with worse outcomes in patients with multiple myeloma, while others have found no association or even a protective effect of higher BMI values.

Studies Reporting No Association Between BMI and Multiple Myeloma Survival Rates

A study published in the British Journal of Haematology in 2006 found no association between BMI and overall survival in 100 patients with multiple myeloma who received high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation.

Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2015 analyzed data from 166 patients with multiple myeloma who received immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) and found no significant association between BMI and progression-free survival or overall survival.

Studies Reporting a Protective Effect of Higher BMI Values on Multiple Myeloma Survival Rates

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2010 analyzed data from 404 patients with multiple myeloma and found that higher BMI values were associated with better overall survival and progression-free survival.

The authors suggest that this protective effect may be due to the fact that patients with higher BMI values have larger fat stores, which may provide energy and nutrients during treatment and improve tolerance to chemotherapy.

Studies Reporting a Negative Effect of Higher BMI Values on Multiple Myeloma Survival Rates

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2007 analyzed data from 653 patients with multiple myeloma who received high-dose chemotherapy and found a negative association between BMI and overall survival.

Specifically, patients with a BMI of 30 or higher had a significantly worse overall survival than patients with a BMI of less than 30.

The authors suggest that this negative effect may be due to the fact that higher BMI values are associated with a higher risk of developing insulin resistance, inflammation, and other metabolic disturbances, which may impair treatment response and increase treatment-related toxicity.

Possible Mechanisms Linking BMI and Multiple Myeloma Survival Rates

The mechanisms through which BMI may influence multiple myeloma survival rates are not well understood. Some possible hypotheses include:.

Adiposity-related hormones and cytokines, such as adiponectin, leptin, and interleukin-6, may affect multiple myeloma cell growth and survival.
Poorer outcomes in obese patients may be due to comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension, which may reduce treatment tolerance and increase treatment-related toxicity.
Higher levels of physical activity and better nutritional status in patients with lower BMI values may improve treatment response and survival.

Conclusion

The relationship between BMI and multiple myeloma survival rates is complex and may depend on various factors, such as treatment regimen, patient characteristics, and comorbidities.

While some studies have reported a negative effect of higher BMI values on multiple myeloma survival rates, others have suggested a protective effect or no association. Therefore, further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying this relationship and to identify potential strategies to improve outcomes in patients with multiple myeloma.