PhD Scientific Days 2026

Poster Session 2.E - Pathological and Oncological Sciences

Obesity and Survival in Endometrial Cancer

Name of the presenter

Karadocsev, Éva

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Semmelweis University, Department of Bioinformatics

Authors

Éva Karadocsev MSc¹, Prof. Dr. Balázs Győrffy¹
1: Semmelweis University, Department of Bioinformatics

Text of the abstract

Introduction:
Obesity is commonly linked to the development of endometrial cancer, but its prognostic relevance after diagnosis is still debated. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether higher body mass index (BMI) influences overall survival among patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer.

Aims:
This meta-analysis was conducted to determine whether elevated body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased overall mortality in individuals diagnosed with endometrial cancer.

Methods:
We analysed 61 BMI-related comparisons across 26 independent studies, all of which reported hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality stratified by BMI category. A random-effects model using inverse variance weighting was applied to estimate the overall effect. Heterogeneity between studies was measured using the I² statistic. To assess potential reporting bias, funnel plot visualization and Egger’s linear regression test were performed.

Results:
The combined HR was 1.29 (95% CI: 1.19–1.4), indicating that higher BMI was associated with an increased risk of death (p < 0.05). Considerable (I² = 82%, p < 0.01) heterogeneity was observed across studies, suggesting meaningful variability in effect sizes. The included studies differed substantially in their sampling methods, population characteristics, follow-up durations, and adjustments for confounding factors, which may obscure the true impact of obesity on survival. Moreover, the funnel plot indicated potential publication bias, and Egger’s test (intercept = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.48–1.7; p = 0.001) confirmed asymmetry, suggesting that smaller studies with null or negative findings might be underrepresented. Together, these factors highlight that methodological differences and selective reporting could mask or distort the actual effect of high BMI on patient outcomes.

Conclusion:
Excess body weight is associated with poorer survival in individuals with endometrial cancer. These findings highlight a statistically significant association based on a random-effects model using inverse variance weighting. Future studies should focus on disentangling the role of adiposity-related biological mechanisms and the contribution of body composition.

Funding:
This research was supported by the University Research Scholarship Programme (EKÖP), the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, and the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund.