Obesity may be a predictor of prostate cancer recurrence

Moderately and severely obese prostate cancer patients had a 99% greater risk of developing biochemical failure than other patients, according to the authors of a study from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston. They also found that obese patients had a 66% increased risk of having a tumor that recurs or becomes metastatic than did non-obese patients.

The study is scheduled for publication in the Aug. 1 issue of Cancer.

The study, coupled with an M.D. Anderson study released last year showing that a history of weight gain or obesity at the time of diagnosis also played a role in how aggressive prostate cancer may become after surgery (Clin Cancer Res 2005; 11:6889-94), suggests that a patient’s weight should be a factor when considering follow-up and treatment.

"When patients and their physicians are uncertain about the need for further therapy, our research indicates that a man's weight should be factored into that decision," said Sara Strom, PhD, lead author of both studies.