Association of body mass index with outcomes among patients with head and neck cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy

Combined modality therapy, such as chemoradiotherapy (CRT), often results in significant morbidity among patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Although the role of body mass index (BMI) varies based on cancer subtypes, its association with treatment response, tumor recurrence, and survival outcomes among patients with HNC remains unclear. A retrospective, observational cohort study involving 445 HNC patients receiving CRT at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (Buffalo, NY), found that both overweight and obese BMI were associated with complete metabolic response after CRT. Only overweight BMI was associated with improved overall survival, progression-free survival, and reduction in locoregional failure. The authors conclude that overweight BMI is an independent factor favorably associated with outcomes after CRT for HNC.