Meta-Analysis Exploring Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-Induced Weight Gain in Oncogene-Addicted NSCLC

Background: For patients with oncogene-addicted NSCLC treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), weight gain has recently gained attention as a frequent treatment-related effect. Identifying those TKIs more frequently associated with weight gain is crucial for further characterizing body composition-related modifications, deepening their metabolic impact, and guiding treatment decisions, considering the potential influence of weight gain on patients' quality of life and long-term outcomes. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and meeting resources. A meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the magnitude of weight gain, and meta-regression was applied to explore the association between this side effect, and demographic and clinical parameters. Results: Among 7596 identified studies from January 2009 to December 2024, 18 pivotal trials reporting weight gain data were included in the final analysis, encompassing a total of 25 arms. Lorlatinib revealed the highest risk of treatment-induced weight gain [incidence 36%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 26%-46%; I2 = 92%], followed by alectinib [incidence 15%; 95% CI: 12%-18%; I2 = 52%] and crizotinib [incidence 5%; 95% CI: 0%-13%; I2 = 93%]. Osimertinib and erlotinib indicated the lowest incidence of weight gain. The meta-regression revealed no significant correlation among weight gain, sex, age, and performance status, thus suggesting a drug-specific effect. Conclusions: Our findings confirmed the unique profile of lorlatinib regarding weight gain, regardless of patient characteristics. Considering the impressive prognostic horizons achievable with TKIs in oncogene-addicted NSCLC, adequate reporting in clinical trials, assessment and monitoring of weight gain, body composition modifications, and impact on quality of life should be prioritized, together with adequate lifestyle-based strategies for its management.