Energy expenditure in women with breast cancer

Abstract Objective To assess the energy expenditure of women with breast cancer and the effectiveness of available predictive equations (PEs) for the estimation of energy requirements in these subjects. Methods Women with breast cancer and healthy women controls underwent indirect calorimetry and nutritional assessment. The estimation of energy requirements included PEs (Harris-Benedict [HB], corrected by injury and activity factors), the Mifflin St. Jeor, and the quick formula of 25 kcal/kg of body weight (BW). Statistical analyses, including Student's t test, a paired t test, Bland-Altman analysis, and backward multivariate linear regression, were performed using the SPSS 17.0 software. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results Seventeen women with breast cancer and 19 healthy women were evaluated. Analysis of nutritional status revealed 64.7% of the patients were overweight/obese, and 88.2% had an excess of body fat mass. The resting energy expenditure (REE) of the breast cancer patients was similar to that of the healthy women, even after adjustment for fat free mass (FFM) ( P < 0.05). The resting and total energy requirements estimated by the predictive equations widely varied, and the quick formula was the most accurate at determining total energy needs. Conclusions The REE of women with breast cancer was similar to that of healthy women. The energy requirements of these patients may be calculated based on the quick formula of 25 kcal/kg of BW. Nonetheless, this estimation should be used cautiously as it results in wide variations when used alone.