Comparison of prognostic factors in different age groups and prognostic significance of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in patients with gastric cancer

Construction and validation of a nomogram model for lymph node metastasis of stage II-III gastric cancer based on machine learning algorithms

Background

Gastric cancer, a pervasive malignancy globally, often presents with regional lymph node metastasis (LNM), profoundly impacting prognosis and treatment options. Existing clinical methods for determining the presence of LNM are not precise enough, necessitating the development of an accurate risk prediction model.

Objective

Our primary objective was to employ machine learning algorithms to identify risk factors for LNM and establish a precise prediction model for stage II-III gastric cancer.

Methods

A study was conducted at Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine between May 2010 and December 2022. This retrospective study analyzed 1147 surgeries for gastric cancer and explored the clinicopathological differences between LNM and non-LNM cohorts. Utilizing univariate logistic regression and two machine learning methodologies-Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and random forest (RF)-we identified vascular invasion, maximum tumor diameter, percentage of monocytes, hematocrit (HCT), and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) as salient factors and consolidated them into a nomogram model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), calibration curves, and decision curves were used to evaluate the test efficacy of the nomogram. Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) values were utilized to illustrate the predictive impact of each feature on the model's output.

Results

Significant differences in tumor characteristics were discerned between LNM and non-LNM cohorts through appropriate statistical methods. A nomogram, incorporating vascular invasion, maximum tumor diameter, percentage of monocytes, HCT, and LMR, was developed and exhibited satisfactory predictive capabilities with an AUC of 0.787 (95% CI: 0.749-0.824) in the training set and 0.753 (95% CI: 0.694-0.812) in the validation set. Calibration curves and decision curves affirmed the nomogram's predictive accuracy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, leveraging machine learning algorithms, we devised a nomogram for precise LNM risk prognostication in stage II-III gastric cancer, offering a valuable tool for tailored risk assessment in clinical decision-making.

Associations between peripheral whole blood cell counts derived indexes and cancer prognosis: An umbrella review of meta-analyses of cohort studies

Meta-analyses have reported conflicting data on the whole blood cell count (WBCC) derived indexes (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [NLR], platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio [PLR], and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio [LMR]) and cancer prognosis. However, the strength and quality of this evidence has not been quantified in aggregate. To grade the evidence from published meta-analyses of cohort studies that investigated the associations between NLR, PLR, and LMR and cancer prognosis. A total of 694 associations from 224 articles were included. And 219 (97.8%) articles rated as moderate-to-high quality according to AMSTAR. There were four associations supported by convincing evidence. Meanwhile, 165 and 164 associations were supported by highly suggestive and suggestive evidence, respectively. In this umbrella review, we summarized the existing evidence on the WBCC-derived indexes and cancer prognosis. Due to the direction of effect sizes is not completely consistent between studies, further research is needed to assess causality and provide firm evidence.

Serum prealbumin level as a biomarker of survival outcomes in patients with gastric cancer: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have reported inconsistent results on the association between serum prealbumin level and survival outcomes in patients with gastric cancer. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the serum prealbumin level as a biomarker of survival outcomes in gastric cancer patients.

METHODS

Two independent reviewers conducted a thorough search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases until April 17, 2024. Studies reporting the association between serum prealbumin level and survival outcomes and presented the multivariable-adjusted relative risks for gastric cancer patients were included. The pooled HR and 95% CI were used to assess the strength of the association.

RESULTS

Twelve studies, with a total of 9,351 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The combined data showed that low serum prealbumin level was associated with shorter overall survival (HR 1.65; 95% CI 1.42-1.91) and disease-free survival (HR 1.39; 95% CI 1.14-1.70). Subgroup analysis showed that low serum prealbumin level significantly predicted poorer overall survival, regardless of patients' age, sample sizes, cutoff value for prealbumin level, and follow-up time.

CONCLUSIONS

Low serum prealbumin level is an independent prognostic biomarker for shorter survival outcomes in patients with gastric cancer. Assessing serum prealbumin levels could potentially improve risk stratification for this disease.

Prognostic significance of preoperative osteopenia on outcomes after gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Aim

Osteopenia, characterized by low bone mineral density, is a potential prognostic factor for patients with cancer. The aim of this study was to clarify the impact of preoperative osteopenia in patients with gastric cancer (GC) after gastrectomy.

Methods

We included 224 patients with GC who underwent gastrectomy between August 2013 and May 2022. Osteopenia was evaluated by measuring the pixel density in the mid-vertebral core of the 11th thoracic vertebra using computed tomography.

Results

Osteopenia was identified in 68 patients (30%). The osteopenia group had significantly worse overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) than the non-osteopenia group (P < .01, P < .01, respectively). The postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer, and the occurrence of postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III) was significantly higher in the osteopenia group (P = .04, P < .01, respectively). In multivariate analysis, osteopenia (P < .01), stage ≥II (P < .01), and R1 or R2 curability (P < .01) were independent and significant predictors of DFS. Additionally, osteopenia (P < .01), intraoperative blood loss (P = .04), stage ≥II (P < .01), and R1 or R2 curability (P < .01) were independent and significant predictors of OS.

Conclusion

Preoperative osteopenia was independently associated with a poor prognosis and recurrence in patients who underwent gastrectomy for GC.

A predictive model for postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients with gastric cancer: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To explore the risk factors of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly patients with gastric cancer after radical resection and to establish a risk prediction model.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the clinicopathological data of 687 elderly patients who underwent radical gastric cancer surgery from January 2014 to January 2020 in the Third Department of Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University was conducted. The degree of cognitive impairment was divided into POCD positive group (n=141, 20.52%) and POCD negative group (n=546, 79.48%). The general data of the two groups were compared. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for POCD in elderly gastric cancer patients after radical surgery. A risk prediction model was established. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the model.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative ASA classification (OR=4.674, 95% CI: 1.610~12.651, P=0.020), age (OR=3.130, 95% CI: 1.307~8.669, P=0.001), operation time (OR=2.724, 95% CI: 1.232~7.234, P=0.031), preoperative PG-SGA score (OR=4.023, 95% CI: 1.011-10.883, P=0.048), and preoperative hemoglobin (OR=4.158, 95% CI: 2.255~8.227, P=0.001) were independent risk factors for POCD. Intraoperative application of dexmedetomidine (OR=0.172, 95% CI: 0.078~0.314, P=0.002) and maintaining a deeper anesthesia state (OR=0.151, 95% CI: 0.122~0.283, P=0.018) were protective factors. The area under the ROC curve of the POCD risk prediction model for elderly gastric cancer patients after surgery was 0.820 (95% CI: 0.742-0.899) (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of postoperative POCD in elderly patients with gastric cancer is closely related to a variety of risk factors. By establishing a risk prediction model for the occurrence of POCD, high-risk patients can be effectively identified during the perioperative period, to intervene earlier.

Preoperative lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio is the most predictive inflammatory response marker of survival in gastric cancer

PURPOSE

Systemic inflammatory responses play a key role in cancer progression, and detecting the predictive inflammatory response markers is needed. The present study explored inflammatory response markers capable of predicting survival in patients with gastric cancer.

METHODS

We enrolled 264 patients, who underwent curative gastrectomy for clinical stage (cStage) I-III gastric cancer between 2012 and 2015. The cut-off point of eight preoperative inflammatory response markers was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The marker with the highest Harrell's concordance index (C-index) was adopted for subsequent univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional-hazards model.

RESULTS

Among eight representative inflammatory response markers, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR; cut-off point, 4.60) achieved the highest C-index (0.633). The 5-year survival rate was significantly worse in patients with LMR < 4.60 than in those with LMR ≥ 4.60 (67.5% versus 89.0%, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, LMR < 4.60 was identified as an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio: 2.372; 95% confidence interval: 1.266-4.442; P = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

In this study, LMR had the strongest ability to predict the survival of patients with gastric cancer among other inflammatory response markers, with lower LMRs being associated with poor survival following curative gastrectomy.

C-reactive protein/albumin ratio predicts survival after curative surgery in elderly patients with colorectal cancer

Inflammation-based markers, including the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR), lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), Onodera's prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), have been demonstrated to serve as prognostic indicators in various malignancies. This study aimed to evaluate their potential predictive value for colorectal cancer (CRC) in the elderly. We retrospectively evaluated 163 patients with CRC, aged 80 years and older, who had undergone curative surgery. The receiver operating characteristic curve analyses and the corresponding areas under the curve (AUCs) were used to determine and compare the discriminatory ability of the inflammation-based markers. Besides, the associations of inflammatory markers and clinical characteristics with overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were analyzed. The CAR had a significantly larger AUC than the GPS, PLR, NLR, and LMR (p = 0.006, 0.012, 0.018, and 0.002, respectively), except for the PNI (p = 0.052). The optimal cut-off value was 0.106 for the CAR and 44.894 for the PNI. Moreover, a CAR ≥ 0.106 turned out to be significantly associated with worse 5-year OS, RFS, and CSS compared with a CAR < 0.106. The multivariate analysis indicated that the CAR ≥ 0.106 was an independent prognostic factor for poor OS (HR = 3.596, p = 0.0006), RFS (HR = 2.945, p = 0.003), and CSS (HR = 4.411, p = 0.02). CAR is a useful and promising prognostic marker in elderly patients undergoing curative surgery for CRC.

TIM-3 as a Prognostic Marker and a Potential Immunotherapy Target in Human Malignant Tumors: A Meta-Analysis and Bioinformatics Validation

Background

As a novel immune checkpoint molecular, T-cell immunoglobulin mucin 3 (TIM-3) is emerging as a therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy. However, the predictive role of TIM-3 in cancer remains largely undetermined. This study was designed to investigate the role of TIM-3 in cancer.

Methods

Publications were searched using multiple databases. The hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. To further confirm the prognostic effect of TIM-3, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data were applied. Functional analysis of TIM-3 was also investigated.

Results

28 studies with 7284 patients with malignant tumors were identified. Based on multivariate Cox regression analysis, TIM-3 was an independent prognostic indicator for poor overall survival (OS) (HR= 1.54, 95% CI = 1.19-1.98, P = 0.001). However, TIM-3 was not correlated with cancer-specific survival and disease-free survival (DFS). Particularly, TIM-3 showed a worse prognosis in non-small cell lung carcinoma and gastric cancer; but it showed a favorable prognosis in breast cancer. Functional analysis showed that TIM-3 was closely correlated with immune responses such as T-cell activation and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Moreover, TIM-3 expression was found to be related to worse OS in 9491 TCGA patients (HR = 1.2, P < 0.001), but was not associated with DFS.

Conclusions

TIM-3 was an independent prognostic factor. Meanwhile, TIM-3 played a crucial role in tumor immune responses. This supports TIM-3 as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy.

Prognostic assessment in palliative cancer care: is there a difference between adult and older patients?

OBJECTIVE: To compare factors associated with death in adults and older people with advanced cancer who were hospitalized in a palliative care unit (PCU). METHODS: Case-control study with patients (adults vs older people) admitted to a PCU of National Cancer Institute José Alencar Gomes da Silva (INCA), in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Logistic regressions (odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence interval [95%CI]) were used to identify factors associated with death. RESULTS: The study included 205 patients, most of which were aged over 60 years old (60.5%). Among the adult patients, a Karnofsky Performance Status ≤ 40% (OR 2.54 [95%CI 1.11–3.45]) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (OR 1.09 [95%CI 1.02–1.24]) were risk factors for death, while albumin (OR 0.30 [95%CI 0.12–0.78]) was a protective factor. Among older patients, NLR (OR: 1.13 [95%CI 1.02–1.24]), C-reactive protein (CRP) (OR 1.09 [95%CI 1.02–1.17]), modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) 1 and 2 (OR 4.66 [95%CI 1.35–16.06]), CRP-to-albumin ratio (CAR) (OR 1.27 [95%CI 1.03–1.58]), and nutritional risk (OR 1.11 [95%CI 1.03–1.19]) were risk factors, whereas albumin (OR 0.23 [95%CI 0.09–0.57]) was a protective factor against death. CONCLUSIONS: Prognostic factors differed between groups. The NLR was a risk factor, and albumin was a protective factor regarding death in both groups. Additionally, CRP, mGPS, CAR, and nutritional risk were associated with an increased risk of death only among older people.