Research progress on the obesity paradox in tumor radiotherapy
1Liu Yuxin, 2Lyu Jiahua
1
School of Medicine University of Electronic Science and Technology of China UESTC Chengdu 610041 Sichuan China
2
2nd
Ward of Thoracic Radiation Oncology Sichuan Cancer Hospital Chengdu 610041 Sichuan China
Abstract：The designation of " Weight Management Year " has stimulated substantial discourse on obesity. While obesity
constitutes an established risk factor for various malignancies its association with radiotherapeutic efficacy manifests a paradoxical
phenomenon termed the " obesity paradox" in oncologic radiotherapy. This paradox poses a challenge to traditional public health
perceptions. Emerging evidence indicates that obese patients may demonstrate enhanced radiosensitivity. Yet obesity can adversely
influence therapeutic outcomes through alterations in the tumor microenvironment and modulation of radiotherapy - related adverse
effects. In addition to the body mass index which is a conventional clinical indicator used to define obesity more detailed body
composition analyses based on computed tomography scans can also be employed to assess obesity. Emerging evidence suggests that the
distribution of adipose tissue in different regions of the body may have a complex and sometimes contradictory relationship with the
prognosis of obese cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Consequently a comprehensive elucidation of these complex interactions is
imperative for optimizing radiotherapy protocols and improving patient prognoses. This review aims to evaluate the impact of the obesity
paradox on radiotherapeutic efficacy formulate clinical strategies for addressing the obesity paradox and delineate future research
directions.
