Prognostic significance of body mass index in patients with triple negative breast cancer: A retrospective observational study

Objectives Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), making it more aggressive and less responsive to targeted therapies. Our retrospective study aimed to investigate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on the survival of TNBC patients in Eastern India. Material and Methods 42 TNBC patients were included from January 2016 to December 2020 and were followed up until December 2023. Baseline characteristics were summarized using percentages and frequencies. The Chi-square test was used for clinicopathologic characteristics, and the Kaplan-Meier method evaluated survival functions. Log-rank tests conducted (p ≤ 0.05). Results The median age of the population was 45 years. The majority (92.98%) had no family history. 67.7% were of Grade 2, and 27.69% were Grade 3. The mean BMI was 23.95 [ range 14.2 - 37.56 (95% CI 23.49;24.4)]. 62.81% were of a healthy weight, 28.51% were overweight, 4.55% were underweight, and 4.13% were obese. Metastasis-free survival (MFS) rates were 90.91% for underweight, 84.06% for overweight, 76.32% for healthy weight, and 70% for obese patients (p value .376). DFS, considering both local recurrence and metastases as an event, were 94.2% for overweight, 94.08% for healthy weight, 90% for obese, and 54.55% for underweight individuals (p value <0.001). OS was 65.22% for overweight, 61.84% for healthy weight, 60% for obese, and 30.36% for underweight individuals (p value 0.44). Conclusion This study’s findings highlight significant implications of BMI on survival outcomes. It also reinforces the intricate link between obesity and prognosis, emphasizing the need for weight management strategies in patient care. Further mechanistic research is warranted.