Impact of Osteopenia on Oncologic Outcomes After Curative Resection for Pancreatic Cancer

Background/Aim: We evaluated the relationship between low bone mineral density (BMD), also called osteopenia, and prognosis in patients who underwent resection for pancreatic cancer (PC). Patients and Methods: We enrolled 91 consecutive patients who underwent curative resections for PC between May 2009 and January 2019. Their BMDs were measured at the Th11 vertebra using computed tomography. Patients were then divided by age-adjusted standard BMD values into the osteopenia group (n=34) and the non-osteopenia group (n=57). Their overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared (log-rank test). Results: The two groups did not differ in age, BMI, tumor marker, operation time, blood loss, postoperative complications or stage. The osteopenia group had significantly worse 3-year rates for OS (46% vs. 30%, p=0.04) and RFS (41% vs. 26%, p=0.01). In multivariate analysis, osteopenia was an independent prognostic factor for RFS (HR=2.16, p=0.01). Conclusion: Osteopenia is an adverse prognostic factor for patients with resected PC.