Biological age indices and mortality in 399 breast cancer patients (NHANES 1999–2020)
In 399 breast cancer participants from NHANES 1999–2020, higher scores on three blood-based biological age indices were associated with higher all-cause mortality over a median 6.67 years; this is an association, not proof of cause. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
Three biological age indices (PA, HD, KDM) were calculated from 12 blood-based biomarkers in 399 breast cancer participants from NHANES 1999–2020. [1]
Over a median 6.67 years, 144 deaths occurred; higher HD, KDM and PA values were associated with increased all-cause mortality in fully adjusted models. [1]
HD performed best for short-term prediction, while PA showed superior efficacy for mid- to long-term prognosis. [1]
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Population-based observational cohort study (abstract)
- Population / context
- 399 breast cancer participants in NHANES 1999–2020
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Original publication
- September 13, 2026
Composite biological age indices in breast cancer
The study asked whether composite biological age indices are linked to mortality in breast cancer patients. Three indices were calculated from 12 blood-based biomarkers: Phenotypic Age (PA), Homeostatic Dysregulation (HD) and the Klemera-Doubal Method (KDM). Data came from 399 breast cancer participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2020.
Supporting source [1]
Higher indices, higher all-cause mortality
During a median follow-up of 6.67 years, 144 deaths occurred. In fully adjusted models, higher index values were associated with increased all-cause mortality: HD (hazard ratio 1.465, 95% confidence interval 1.169–1.836), KDM (1.017, 1.004–1.030) and PA (1.080, 1.023–1.140). Spline analyses confirmed linear associations.
Supporting source [1]
Time-specific prediction and abstract-only scope
Time-dependent ROC analyses suggested a time-stratified predictive capacity: HD performed best for short-term prediction, while PA showed superior efficacy for mid- to long-term prognosis. The authors conclude that accelerated biological ageing is an independent predictor of mortality and that these indicators may guide risk stratification. These are associations from an observational cohort; they do not show that biological age causes death or that changing it alters outcomes.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
Abstract only; the full text was not reviewed. This is an observational cohort of 399 participants, so the reported associations do not establish causation, and the abstract does not report how biological age indices relate to treatment or other unmeasured factors.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Chen G, Lin W, Cheng X, Chang X. · europepmc.org · September 13, 2026