Metabolic syndrome components like overweight, obesity, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia are common findings in patients with cancer diagnosis under chemotherapy treatment. These factors have been associated with higher recurrence rates. This study associates Body Mass index, steroids treatment and tumor site with metabolic syndrome (MS) components in patients with cancer diagnosis under chemotherapy treatment.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, files from patients under chemotherapy treatment treated in a university oncology center from 2008 to 2010 where reviewed. Anthropometric data and ATP III MS criteria were reviewed.

RESULTS

158 patients were included, 75.9% female. Most common tumors were breast, gastrointestinal and lung cancer. 56.3% presented =3 component of MS; 43.6% of patients received Dexametasone as part of chemotherapy treatment. Mean BMI was 25.3 kg/m(2). Breast cancer diagnosis was associated with presence of 3 or more components of metabolic syndrome. Glococorticoid treatment was not significantly associated with MS diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

patients with IMC>25 presented 12.6 more risk of MS, independently of glucocorticoids treatment. Weight maintenance is important to reduce MS.