Work

Magnesium depletion score is a risk factor for all-cause, cancer and cardiovascular disease mortality in cancer survivors: evidence from two prospective cohort studies

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Cancer survivors face significant mortality risks, including from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. Magnesium depletion score (MDS) is a prognostic biomarker, but its prognostic value in cancer survivors is unknown. Methods This prospective study utilizes data from two distinct cohorts: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and the Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital. We analyzed 3,528 cancer survivors from NHANES (1999–2018) and 473 patients from the hospital cohort. Associations between MDS (0, 1, 2, ≥3) and all-cause, cancer-specific, and CVD mortality were assessed using weighted multivariate Cox regression, Kaplan–Meier analysis and Fine-Gray competing risk model. Predictive accuracy was evaluated using time-dependent ROC curves. Results During follow-up (median 165 months for NHANES), higher MDS (≥3) was significantly associated with increased mortality risk after full adjustment: all-cause (HR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.86–3.29), cancer (HR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.44–3.26), and CVD (HR = 3.89, 95% CI: 1.91–7.91) compared to MDS = 0 (all p for trend<0.001). Kaplan–Meier curves and competing risk model confirmed worse survival with higher MDS. Time-dependent ROC demonstrated good predictive accuracy for all mortality risk. Results remained robust in sensitivity analyses and the single-center cohort. Conclusion Higher MDS is a strong, independent predictor of increased all-cause, cancer-specific, and CVD mortality risk among cancer survivors. MDS provides valuable prognostic information and could aid in risk stratification for personalized survivorship care.

Source: Frontiers in Nutrition

DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1674062

Authors: Yunmiao Ma, Minjie Li, Xing Liu

Institution: Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Magnesium in Health and Disease

Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801