Relationship between BMI and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in cancer patients: a dose-response meta-analysis

• Published in: World journal of surgical oncology Vol. 23; no. 1; pp. 77 - 13
• Main Authors: Yanbing, Li, Zijun, Li, Hongbo, Zuo, Zhi, Wang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 08.03.2025; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Analysis; Antineoplastic Agents - adverse effects; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols - adverse effects; BMI; Body Mass Index; Cancer; Chemotherapy; Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy; Dose-Response Relationship; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Exercise; Health aspects; Humans; Meta-analysis; Methods; Neoplasms - drug therapy; Neurophysiology; Patient compliance; Patient outcomes; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - chemically induced; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - epidemiology; Prognosis; Risk Factors; China; Dose-Response Relationship; Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy; BMI; Meta-analysis
• DOI: 10.1186/s12957-025-03716-2
• ISSN: 1477-7819

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the dose-response relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the risk of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in cancer patients. We conducted a dose-response meta-analysis of 10 studies involving 6,841 cancer patients. Studies reporting BMI and CIPN outcomes were selected. The relationship between BMI and CIPN was assessed using random-effects models and restricted cubic splines to model the dose-response association. Pooled analysis revealed a significant association between higher BMI and increased risk of CIPN, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.55 (95% CI, 1.20-1.99). A dose-response analysis demonstrated a clear linear relationship between BMI and the risk of CIPN. For every 5 kg/m increase in BMI, the relative risk of CIPN increased by approximately 15%. Subgroup analyses showed stronger associations in breast cancer patients and those treated with taxane or platinum-based regimens. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results, and mild publication bias was observed. Higher BMI is significantly associated with an increased risk of CIPN, with a dose-dependent effect. Weight management interventions, such as dietary modifications and physical activity, may reduce CIPN risk, particularly in patients with elevated BMI undergoing chemotherapy with neurotoxic regimens.