The Influence of Body Mass Index on Treatment Response and Survival in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Patients

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Background This study sought to examine survival in HER2-positive breast cancer patients based on their BMI. Furthermore, this study investigated the correlations between several other variables such as race, treatment modality, comorbidities, and overall survival.Patients and Methods This study was a retrospective review of data obtained from the cancer registry of a single academic center between 2015 and 2022. All patients with HER2-positive breast cancer were included. Patients were stratified into four groups based on body mass index: BMI < 25; 25-29.9; 30-39.9; ≥40. Demographic data and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups.Results Multivariable Cox-proportional hazard analysis showed that BMI did not have any significant effect on patient mortality in this cohort of patients while adjusting for the effect of other covariates. However, in adjusted analysis, White patients in this cohort had a significantly lower risk of death than Black patients (HR: 0.34, 95% CI: [0.15, 0.78], p = 0.011).Conclusion In our cohort, BMI was not found to be a significant predictor of mortality in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. In multivariate analysis, White race was associated with improved mortality outcomes. More research is needed to eliminate potential disparities in screening and treating cancer.