This large retrospective study of 3311 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was designed to investigate the effect of weight change on overall survival in patients treated with targeted therapy.

During 12 weeks after starting first- or second-line treatment with a targeted therapy, 28% of patients had lost weight and 58% had stable weight. Patients with weight loss at 12 weeks had shorter overall survival and progression-free survival compared with those with stable weight. The objective response rates for patients with weight loss, stable weight, and weight gain at 12 weeks were 23.4%, 32.1%, and 35.9%, respectively. Weight loss was associated with shorter progression-free survival, shorter overall survival, and lower overall response rate.

In conclusion, patients who lose weight after starting treatment for metastatic RCC may have worse clinical outcomes. Weight loss could be used as a clinical biomarker for survival in these patients.

Read more in Clinical Genitourinary Cancer here