Bariatric surgery in cancer survivorship: does a history of cancer affect weight loss outcomes?

Abstract

Objective Weight-loss is recommended for obese cancer survivors who are at increased risk of recurrence and non-cancer related mortality. It remains unknown if this vulnerable population benefits from bariatric surgery to the same extent as those without a history of cancer. Methods A retrospective chart review of 1013 patients revealed twenty-nine bariatric surgery patients with a history of cancer who were then matched to patients without a history of cancer. Results At one-year post-surgical follow-up, individuals with a history of cancer had lost less weight than those without a history of cancer (14.2 vs. 14.8); however this difference was not significant (p=0.76). Discussion Cancer survivors appear to draw similar benefit from bariatric surgery as those without a history of cancer, although a larger study with greater statistical power to detect differences is needed to confirm these results. These preliminary results are encouraging in light of the increasing focus on weight-loss among this population.

Bariatric surgery in a testicular cancer survivor: Restoring both metabolic and testosterone status

“…Reports in the literature on BS for cancer survivors are scarce. Two studies report that a history of cancer is not a predictor for weight loss after BS, and there is no difference in weight loss one and seven years post-surgery compared to subjects without a history of cancer [10,11]. We found no evidence in the literature that both groups respond differently as regards to metabolic improvements.…”

Clinical Practice Guidelines For The Perioperative Nutrition, Metabolic, and Nonsurgical Support of Patients Undergoing Bariatric Procedures – 2019 Update: Cosponsored By American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology, The Obesity Society, American Society For Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, Obesity Medicine Association, and American Society of Anesthesiologists

“…These findings affirm the relevance and potential benefit of pre-operative screening and, when appropriate, aggressive case finding, though much more evidence is needed for more detailed recommendations. Interestingly, cancer survivors had comparable weight-loss effects after bariatric surgery to those without a history of cancer (547).…”

Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Perioperative Nutrition, Metabolic, and Nonsurgical Support of Patients Undergoing Bariatric Procedures – 2019 Update: Cosponsored by American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology, The Obesity Society, American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Obesity Medicine Association, and American Society of Anesthesiologists

“…These findings affirm the relevance and potential benefit of preoperative screening and, when appropriate, aggressive case finding, though much more evidence is needed for more detailed recommendations. Interestingly, cancer survivors had comparable weight‐loss effects after bariatric surgery to those without a history of cancer .…”