Combined Chemoradiotherapy-induced Weight Loss Decreases Survival in Locally Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background/Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the prognostic impact and predictors of weight loss during definitive radiotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Patients and Methods: A total of 125 NSCLC patients (2003-2016) who had received definitive radiotherapy were included in the study. Multivariate analyses were performed to estimate prognostic values. Predictors for weight loss were analyzed. Results: The median survival of patients with weight loss (>5%) during radiotherapy and for those without any significant weight loss was 15.6 and 33 months, respectively (p=0.015). Non-intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) technique was the only factor associated with weight loss (p=0.039). Weight loss was a poor prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR] 2.072, p=0.018), and IMRT was a favorable prognostic factor (HR=0.192, p=0.029). Conclusion: During definitive radiotherapy, weight loss of >5% resulted in decreased OS rate in locally advanced NSCLC. IMRT might increase OS rate by minimizing weight loss.