Analysis of the impact of the body mass index in patients with gastric carcinoma

Background Body mass index (BMI) has been suggested to provide clinicopathological information in tumor development and progression in patients with gastric carcinoma. Methods The correlation of BMI with clinicopathological features and operation-related factors was analyzed in 308 patients with gastric carcinoma who had undergone distal or total gastrectomy. Results There was no significant correlation of obesity, indicated by a high value of BMI, with tumor-related factors including survival, or with operation-related factors. On the other hand, more advanced tumors and worse preoperative nutritional and immunological conditions were found in patients with a lower value of BMI. Conclusions BMI might be a representation of the physical condition brought about by the extent of tumor progression rather than a factor influencing the factors related to gastric carcinoma.