Anthropometrics, cancer risks, and survival outcomes in adult patients with glioma - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE

The association between anthropometric measures including BMI, height and cancer has been widely discussed. However, the role of these in the development and prognosis of glioma remains controversial. We aimed to study these relationships.

METHODS

We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline. Papers reporting relationship between anthropometric measures and the risk of glioma, both incidence and survival, were considered relevant. Those published until January 31, 2024, were selected from PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Studies were evaluated according to the modified Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Hazard ratios, relative risks, and 95% confidence intervals were pooled and synthesized using a random effects model.

RESULTS

Among 940 screened articles, 23 were selected. Taller height was significantly associated with an increased risk of both glioma (HR per 10 cm, 1.19; CI, 1.16 to 1.23) and glioblastoma (HR per 10 cm, 1.25; CI, 1.18 to 1.31). Higher BMI was positively correlated with an increased risk of glioma, both in categorical (RR, 1.08; CI, 1.03 to 1.12) and continuous measures (HR per 5 kg/m, 1.01; CI, 1.00 to 1.03). Glioblastoma demonstrated a higher incidence risk (HR per 5 kg/m, 1.02; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.05) and better survival outcomes (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.59 to 0.96) with increasing BMI.

CONCLUSION

This study provides critical insights into the relationship between glioma and anthropometric measures. Glioma and glioblastoma were associated with these measures in terms of both incidence and survival. Further research is necessary to uncover the mechanisms and develop preventative or therapeutic strategies.