Study: Diabetes, Obesity Linked to Cancer Recurrence

TOKYOPatients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are more likely to experience cancer recurrence if they have type 2 diabetes and are obese, according to a study published in the Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology.

In the study, researchers from the Tokyo Medical and Dental University in Japan evaluated 543 patients with non-metastatic RCC who underwent radical or partial nephrectomy. Findings showed that recurrence of the cancer occurred in 86 patients (12.5%) over an average follow-up of 66.7 months. However, the risk of recurrence increased 2.34-fold among the 82 (15.1%) of patients who had a history of diabetes, compared to those patients who did not. Moreover, when the effects of obesity were accounted for, results showed a strong association between diabetes and risk of recurrence remained for the 157 (28.9%) obese patients weighting at least 25 kg/m², and not for the non-obese patients. Results showed that the risk of cancer recurrence increased 4-fold in patient that were obese.

 Among obese patients, the five-year recurrence survival rate was significantly lower for those with diabetes, compared to those without, at 75.3% verses 91.9%. Considering that previous research has showed an association between diabetes and recurrence in obese individuals in other diseases like breast, endometrial and prostate cancers, diabetes combined with obesity may play a role in carcinogenesis and cancer development. Additionally, research has shown that a proper diet filled with fruits and vegetables decreases the risk of cancer.