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Kotsifa E, Machairas N, Angelis A, Nikiteas NI, Dimitroulis D, Sotiropoulos GC. Decoding the Prognostic Significance and Therapeutic Implications of Inflammation-Based Scores in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2549. [PMID: 39061188 PMCID: PMC11274930 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16142549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer, posing a significant global health challenge with an increasing incidence. In recent years, multiple staging systems and scores have been proposed, emphasising the necessity for the development of precise prognostic tools. The well-documented etiological relationship between chronic inflammation and carcinogenesis has prompted researchers to explore novel prognostic markers associated with the inflammatory status of HCC patients. This review summarises the current data about inflammation-based scores in the context of HCC. We discuss established scores like the Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), modified GPS (mGPS) and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and others not as extensively studied, examining their utility in predicting survival outcomes and treatment response in HCC patients. Furthermore, we explore emerging scores, including the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and other lymphocyte-based scores, assessing their potential in refining risk stratification and guiding therapeutic decisions in the era of precision medicine. As research progresses and these scores undergo further refinement and integration into the evolving landscape of HCC management, they carry significant potential for improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenia Kotsifa
- 2nd Propaedeutic Department of Surgery, General Hospital of Athens “Laiko”, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Agiou Thoma 17, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Wang S, Geng H, Li Y, Xu Z, Yang K, Yang L, Hui F, Zhang Y. Which is the best TACE agent for patients with different NLR hepatocellular carcinomas? A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30759. [PMID: 38765170 PMCID: PMC11098848 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a common treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the best therapeutic agent for TACE treatment has not been determined. The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a systemic immune system marker; however, the ability of the NLR to predict the prognosis of patients with HCC is unknown, and no studies have been conducted to determine the most appropriate TACE regimen for HCC patients with different NLRs. Methods The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CNKI databases were searched through May 28, 2023. Comparisons of overall survival (OS) among cohort studies with different NLRs and different TACE treatment regimens were performed with a random effects model. Findings Thirty-five studies involving 9210 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that Group 3-4 (NLR<2.5) patients had a significantly longer OS than Group 1-2 (NLR 2.5-5.0). Among the patients, Group 1-3 (NLR 2.0-5.0) patients had the best survival after treatment with adriamycin (lnHR (95 % CI = 0.48 [0.31, 0.75] and lnHR (95 % CI = 0.41 [0.19, 0.91]). Among the Group 4 patients (NLR<2.0), the best outcome was obtained with platinum + adriamycin (lnHR (95 % CI = 0.59 [0.45, 0.78]), followed by adriamycin. A subgroup analysis of TACE combined with other treatments showed that adriamycin combined with sorafenib was the most effective and superior to the other treatment agents. Interpretation The NLR can be used to predict the prognosis of HCC patients treated with TACE; the higher the NLR is, the worse the prognosis. Adriamycin may be the best therapeutic agent for HCC patients treated with TACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016 China
- Bei Fang Hospital of Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016 China
| | - Hefeng Geng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016 China
- Bei Fang Hospital of Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016 China
| | - Yizhen Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016 China
- Bei Fang Hospital of Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016 China
| | - Ziang Xu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016 China
- Bei Fang Hospital of Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016 China
| | - Kaisi Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016 China
- Bei Fang Hospital of Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016 China
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Fuhai Hui
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016 China
| | - Yingshi Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016 China
- Bei Fang Hospital of Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016 China
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Minici R, Venturini M, Guzzardi G, Fontana F, Coppola A, Piacentino F, Torre F, Spinetta M, Maglio P, Guerriero P, Ammendola M, Brunese L, Laganà D. A Multicenter International Retrospective Investigation Assessing the Prognostic Role of Inflammation-Based Scores (Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte, Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte, and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratios) in Patients with Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Undergoing Chemoembolizations of the Liver. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1618. [PMID: 38730572 PMCID: PMC11083312 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The utilization of inflammation-based scores, such as the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio (LMR), and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), has garnered attention for their potential as prognostic indicators in various cancers. However, their predictive role in patients with intermediate-stage HCC undergoing transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) remains an area that requires further investigation, as early recognition of TACE refractoriness holds the potential to guide tailored therapeutic interventions. METHODS This multicenter international retrospective study analyzed data from patients with intermediate-stage HCC undergoing TACE between 2018 and 2024. Inflammation-based scores (NLR, LMR, PLR) were assessed preoperatively to predict treatment outcomes. RESULTS Two hundred and fourteen patients were enrolled. Preoperative LMR showed the largest area under the curve for the prediction of 6-months PFS, based on the ROC curve analysis. Both high LMR (≥2.24) and low NLR (<4.72) were associated with improved objective response rates and 6-month progression-free survival. Lymphocyte count emerged as a strong predictor of treatment response in both simple (p < 0.001) and multiple (p < 0.001) logistic regression analyses. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the prognostic value of inflammation-based scores, particularly LMR and NLR, in predicting the treatment response and short-term outcomes of patients with intermediate-stage HCC undergoing TACE. Future investigations should focus on validating these scores' clinical applicability and assessing their impact on long-term patient survival and therapeutic decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Minici
- Radiology Unit, University Hospital Dulbecco, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy (D.L.)
| | - Massimo Venturini
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit, ASST Settelaghi, Insubria University, 21100 Varese, Italy; (F.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Giuseppe Guzzardi
- Imagerie Vasculaire et Interventionnelle, Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco, Monaco; (G.G.); (F.T.)
| | - Federico Fontana
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit, ASST Settelaghi, Insubria University, 21100 Varese, Italy; (F.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Andrea Coppola
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit, ASST Settelaghi, Insubria University, 21100 Varese, Italy; (F.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Filippo Piacentino
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit, ASST Settelaghi, Insubria University, 21100 Varese, Italy; (F.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Federico Torre
- Imagerie Vasculaire et Interventionnelle, Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco, Monaco; (G.G.); (F.T.)
| | - Marco Spinetta
- Radiology Unit, Maggiore della Carità University Hospital, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Pietro Maglio
- Pain Management Unit, University Hospital Dulbecco, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Pasquale Guerriero
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (P.G.); (L.B.)
| | - Michele Ammendola
- Digestive Surgery Unit, University Hospital Dulbecco, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - MGJR Research Team
- Radiology Unit, University Hospital Dulbecco, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy (D.L.)
| | - Luca Brunese
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (P.G.); (L.B.)
| | - Domenico Laganà
- Radiology Unit, University Hospital Dulbecco, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy (D.L.)
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Li J, Yang X, Wang X, Jiang Y, Wang Z, Shen X, Li Z. Predicting the prognosis of operable gastric cancer patients by dynamic changes in platelets before and after surgery: a retrospective cohort study. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:15479-15487. [PMID: 37642724 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05334-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Since the relationship between postoperative platelet count and prognosis is still unclear, we designed a standardized index of platelet count to predict the prognosis of gastric cancer (GC). METHODS We designed a development validation cohort for the pre/post platelet ratio. We determined the ability of PPR to predict mortality in gastric cancer patients and validated them by a separate cohort. Survival was assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis and associations explored by multivariate and multivariate analyses. The usefulness of the prediction was estimated by measuring the time-dependent ROC. Decision-curve analysis was used to validate the net clinical benefit. RESULTS The sample distribution was similar in the two cohorts, and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS evaluation of the postoperative/preoperative platelet ratio was the largest for AUC in the two cohorts. Meanwhile, PPR has a good predictive value and a net clinical benefit. CONCLUSIONS PPR has been identified and validated to be independently concerned about OS of patients with GC and was a reliable and economic indicator to evaluate the prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiante Li
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinxin Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiwei Jiang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhonglin Wang
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xian Shen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The 1st Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Zhaoshen Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.
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Li J, Zhang Y, Ye H, Hu L, Li X, Li Y, Yu P, Wu B, Lv P, Li Z. Machine Learning-Based Development of Nomogram for Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Predict Acute Liver Function Deterioration After Drug-Eluting Beads Transarterial Chemoembolization. Acad Radiol 2023; 30 Suppl 1:S40-S52. [PMID: 37316369 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2023.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Acute liver function deterioration (ALFD) following drug-eluting beads transarterial chemotherapy embolism (DEB-TACE) was considered a risk factor for prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we aimed to develop and validate a nomogram for the prediction of ALFD after DEB-TACE. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 288 patients with HCC from a single center were randomly divided into a training dataset (n = 201) and a validation dataset (n = 87). The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors for ALFD. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was applied to identify the key risk factors and fit a model. The performance, calibration, and clinical utility of the predictive nomogram were assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS LASSO regression analysis determined six risk factors with fibrosis index based on four factors (FIB-4) as the independent factor for the occurrence of ALFD after DEB-TACE. Gamma-glutamyltransferase, FIB-4, tumor extent, and portal vein invasion were integrated into the nomogram. In both the training and validation cohorts, the nomogram demonstrated promising discrimination with AUC of 0.762 and 0.878, respectively. The calibration curves and DCA revealed good calibration and clinical utility of the predictive nomogram. CONCLUSION The nomogram-based risk of ALFD stratification may improve clinical decision-making and surveillance protocols for patients with a high risk of ALFD after DEB-TACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China (J.L., Y.Z., H.Y., L.H., X.L., Y.L., P.Y., B.Y., Z.L.); Engineering Technology Research Center for Minimally Invasive Interventional Tumors of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China (J.L., Y.Z., H.Y., L.H., X.L., Y.L., P.Y., B.Y., Z.L.)
| | - Yuyuan Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China (J.L., Y.Z., H.Y., L.H., X.L., Y.L., P.Y., B.Y., Z.L.); Engineering Technology Research Center for Minimally Invasive Interventional Tumors of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China (J.L., Y.Z., H.Y., L.H., X.L., Y.L., P.Y., B.Y., Z.L.)
| | - Heqing Ye
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China (J.L., Y.Z., H.Y., L.H., X.L., Y.L., P.Y., B.Y., Z.L.); Engineering Technology Research Center for Minimally Invasive Interventional Tumors of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China (J.L., Y.Z., H.Y., L.H., X.L., Y.L., P.Y., B.Y., Z.L.)
| | - Luqi Hu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China (J.L., Y.Z., H.Y., L.H., X.L., Y.L., P.Y., B.Y., Z.L.); Engineering Technology Research Center for Minimally Invasive Interventional Tumors of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China (J.L., Y.Z., H.Y., L.H., X.L., Y.L., P.Y., B.Y., Z.L.)
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China (J.L., Y.Z., H.Y., L.H., X.L., Y.L., P.Y., B.Y., Z.L.); Engineering Technology Research Center for Minimally Invasive Interventional Tumors of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China (J.L., Y.Z., H.Y., L.H., X.L., Y.L., P.Y., B.Y., Z.L.)
| | - Yifan Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China (J.L., Y.Z., H.Y., L.H., X.L., Y.L., P.Y., B.Y., Z.L.); Engineering Technology Research Center for Minimally Invasive Interventional Tumors of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China (J.L., Y.Z., H.Y., L.H., X.L., Y.L., P.Y., B.Y., Z.L.)
| | - Peng Yu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China (J.L., Y.Z., H.Y., L.H., X.L., Y.L., P.Y., B.Y., Z.L.); Engineering Technology Research Center for Minimally Invasive Interventional Tumors of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China (J.L., Y.Z., H.Y., L.H., X.L., Y.L., P.Y., B.Y., Z.L.)
| | - Bailu Wu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China (J.L., Y.Z., H.Y., L.H., X.L., Y.L., P.Y., B.Y., Z.L.); Engineering Technology Research Center for Minimally Invasive Interventional Tumors of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China (J.L., Y.Z., H.Y., L.H., X.L., Y.L., P.Y., B.Y., Z.L.)
| | - Peijie Lv
- Department of Radiology, Zhengzhou University First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China (P.L.)
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China (J.L., Y.Z., H.Y., L.H., X.L., Y.L., P.Y., B.Y., Z.L.); Engineering Technology Research Center for Minimally Invasive Interventional Tumors of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China (J.L., Y.Z., H.Y., L.H., X.L., Y.L., P.Y., B.Y., Z.L.).
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González-Sierra M, Quevedo-Rodríguez A, Romo-Cordero A, González-Chretien G, Quevedo-Abeledo JC, de Vera-González A, González-Delgado A, Martín-González C, González-Gay MÁ, Ferraz-Amaro I. Relationship of Blood Inflammatory Composite Markers with Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1469. [PMID: 37511843 PMCID: PMC10381769 DOI: 10.3390/life13071469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SIRI, neutrophils × monocytes/lymphocytes) have been described as potential blood-derived inflammatory biomarkers in several diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that has been related to an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease. In the present work, we analyze how these hematological composite scores of inflammation are related to classic CV risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with RA. In this cross-sectional study that included 430 patients with RA, the NLR, MLR, PLR, and SIRI scores were calculated. Multivariable analysis was performed to examine the relationships of these composite blood scores with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis and with traditional cardiovascular factors, producing a complete profile of lipid molecules and insulin resistance or indices of beta-cell function, and a Systematic Coronary Risk Assessment (SCORE2) calculation. C-reactive protein and disease activity were significantly and positively associated with the four blood composite scores. SCORE2 was significantly associated with higher values of SIRI, NLR, and MLR, but not PLR. These relationships were maintained when SCORE 2 was considered categorical; patients in the very high CV risk category had higher values in all hematological composite scores, except PLR. In the multivariable analysis, SIRI and NLR were independently associated with higher levels of beta cell dysfunction. In conclusion, SCORE2 and the values of the hematological composite scores were positively correlated in patients with RA. In addition, there were some relationships of these scores with traditional CV risk factors, with their association with beta cell dysfunction being the most consistent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta González-Sierra
- Divsion of Hospitalization-at-Home, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Adrián Quevedo-Rodríguez
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario Dr. Negrín, 35010 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Alejandro Romo-Cordero
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320 Tenerife, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Candelaria Martín-González
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320 Tenerife, Spain
- Internal Medicine Department, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel González-Gay
- Division of Rheumatology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Psychiatry, Universidad de Cantabria, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - Iván Ferraz-Amaro
- Internal Medicine Department, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 Tenerife, Spain
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320 Tenerife, Spain
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Prognostic Role of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio (LMR), Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) and Lymphocyte-to-C Reactive Protein Ratio (LCR) in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) undergoing Chemoembolizations (TACE) of the Liver: The Unexplored Corner Linking Tumor Microenvironment, Biomarkers and Interventional Radiology. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010257. [PMID: 36612251 PMCID: PMC9818978 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
TACE plays a pivotal role in hepatocellular carcinoma, from disease control to downstaging and bridging to liver transplant. Response to TACE is a surrogate marker of tumor aggressive biology, with manifold practical implications such as survival, the need for more aggressive treatments in the intermediate stage, the selection of patients on the transplant waiting list, the dropout rate from the transplant list and the post-transplant recurrence rate. Inflammation-based scores are biomarkers of the relationship between the tumor stromal microenvironment and the immune response. Investigating the connection among the tumor stromal microenvironment, biomarkers, and the response to TACE is crucial to recognize TACE refractoriness/failure, thus providing patients with tailored therapeutics. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the prognostic roles of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and the lymphocyte-to-C reactive protein ratio (LCR) in patients with HCC undergoing chemoembolization of the liver. Inflammation-based scores may be convenient, easily obtained, low-cost, and reliable biomarkers with prognostic significance for HCC undergoing TACE. Baseline cut-off values differ between various studies, thus increasing confusion about using of inflammation-based scores in clinical practice. Further investigations should be conducted to establish the optimal cut-off values for inflammation-based scores, consolidating their use in clinical practice.
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