Prognostic efficacy of inflammation-based markers in patients with curative colorectal cancer resection

Platelet-to-albumin ratio and radiation-induced lymphopenia-prognostic biomarker for carcinoma esophagus

BACKGROUND

Esophageal cancer has a poor survival outcome with 5-year OS at 16.7% despite treatment. Some inflammation-based prognostic indicators like the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been previously studied as potential biomarker for predicting outcome in esophageal cancer. Recently, platelet-to-albumin ratio (PAR) has been reported as a promising prognostic factor in gastrointestinal malignancies.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively treated patients of carcinoma esophagus to evaluate the prognostic significance of inflammation-based prognostic indicators-neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and a composite inflammation-nutrition index: platelet-to-albumin ratio (PAR) in esophageal cancer. Based on previous studies, the optimal cut-off value of PAR was kept at 5.7 × 10^9, and 2.62 for NLR.

RESULTS

A total of 71 patients of locally advanced esophageal cancer treated between 2019 and 2022, with either neoadjuvant or definitive chemoradiotherapy, were included. Median follow-up time was 19 months [range: 7-44 months]. Median OS and PFS in our study cohort were 11.3 months [range: 7-23 months] and 7.8 months [range: 3-17 months], respectively. In univariate analysis, lower PAR was found to be significantly correlated with shorter survival time (HR = 2.41; 1.3-4.76; p = 0.047). There was no association found between the OS and the NLR [HR = 1.09; 0.95-1.26; p = 0.222]. Univariate and multivariate linear and logistic regressions found no association between V15, V10, V5, or V2 of spleen and nadir lymphocyte count or between Dmax or Dmean and nadir lymphocyte counts.

CONCLUSION

Present analysis found a trend toward an inverse association between PAR and OS. PAR, in the not-so-distant future, may evolve as a novel, convenient, and inexpensive prognostic indicator in esophageal cancer.

Prognostic Nutritional Index as a Predictor of Mortality in 101,616 Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

High mortality in dialysis patients is linked to malnutrition and inflammation. Prognostic nutritional index (PNI), calculated from serum albumin level and total lymphocyte count, has been developed as a prognostic marker for cancer patients. We investigated the clinical utility of PNI in predicting mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Thus, 101,616 patients who initiated hemodialysis in United States dialysis centers between 2007 and 2011 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Using the Cox regression model, we assessed the relationship between PNI and mortality. Further, the predictive value of PNI for one-year mortality was compared with that of its constituent using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, net reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination improvement. Higher PNI quartiles were incrementally associated with lower mortality; in patients with PNI values of 39.5−<43.1, 43.1−<46.6, and ≥46.6 (reference: PNI < 39.5), case-mix adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 0.66 (0.64, 0.68), 0.49 (0.48, 0.51), and 0.36 (0.34, 0.37), respectively. PNI predicted mortality better than serum albumin level or total lymphocyte count alone. In the subgroup analysis, PNI performed well in predicting mortality in patients aged < 65 years. Our results indicate that PNI is a simple and practical prognostic marker in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

A Novel Prognostic Index for Metastatic Colon Cancer: The Prognostic Immune Nutritional Index

Objective Systemic inflammation and nutrition are associated with survival outcomes in metastatic colon cancer (mCC) patients. A new and strong prognostic marker named the Prognostic Immune Nutritional Index (PINI) was proposed as the best marker for outcomes in metastatic colon cancer patients. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of PINI in mCC patients. Methods The data of 190 patients who were admitted to our center and diagnosed with mCC between 2010 and 2020 abiding by our inclusion criteria were reviewed retrospectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to identify the optimum cutoff value of PINI for overall survival (OS). Results The mean age of the participants was 62.64±11.99 years. The median follow-up time was 25.81 months. According to PINI, the median OS in patients who had PINI<3 was 22.70 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 16.05-29.35), and the median OS in patients who had PINI≥3 was 38.83 months (95% CI: 26.98-37.01) (p<0.001). PINI score lower than 3 was an independent prognostic indicator in multivariate analysis. Conclusions PINI was discovered to be an independent prognostic factor in metastatic colorectal cancer. We believe that PINI, which can be calculated using a simple formula, will provide clinicians with important clues when deciding on individual treatment.

Prognostic significance of platelet-to-albumin ratio in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma receiving definitive radiotherapy

Accumulating evidence indicates that inflammation and nutrition status are associated with clinical outcomes in patients with various malignancies. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of the pretreatment platelet to albumin ratio (PAR) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients undergoing definitive radiotherapy. A total of 470 patients who underwent definitive radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy were enrolled. The optimal cut-off values of PAR and other indicators were determined by the X-tile. The Kaplan–Meier method, multivariate analyses Cox regression were conducted to identify the association between those indicators and the survival outcomes. The median follow-up time was 23.5 months. The optimal cut-off value of PAR was 5.7 × 10⁹ and patients were stratified as the low PAR group and the high PAR group. In the univariate analysis, a low overall survival rate was significantly associated with T stage (P = 0.005), TNM stage (P < 0.001), Adjuvant chemotherapy (P = 0.007), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (P = 0.006), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (P < 0.001), systemic immune-inflammation index (P < 0.001), prognostic nutritional index (P < 0.001) and platelet to albumin ratio (PAR) (P < 0.001). Patients with high PAR were associated with poorer OS and PFS than patients with low PAR. On multivariate analysis, TNM stage (P = 0.001), adjuvant chemotherapy (P < 0.001), and PAR (P = 0.033) were independent prognostic factors in ESCC treated with definitive radiotherapy. PAR is a novel, convenient, and inexpensive prognostic indicator for patients with ESCC undergoing definitive radiotherapy. Future validation from prospective larger-scale studies is warranted.

Preoperative Prognostic Nutritional Index and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predict Survival Outcomes of Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Curative Resection

Increasing evidence indicates that preoperative prognostic indices can serve as independent predictors of survival in patients with cancer. However, the applicability of these indices in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is controversial. This study aims to investigate the prognostic value of these indices in patients with HCC after curative hepatectomy. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 215 patients who underwent curative resection for HCC. Prognostic indices including prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were evaluated by comparing by the area under the curve (AUC). Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were performed to identify independent prognostic factors. Additionally, risk factors were combined to predict the survival of patients. We found that serum albumin concentration, tumor diameter, tumor stage, degree of differentiation, PNI, and NLR were independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). Vascular invasion, tumor stage, degree of differentiation, and PNI were independent prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS). The cutoff value of the PNI and NLR was 43.75 and 3.29, respectively. Patients with low NLR and high PNI had the best outcomes, potentially indicative of the intensive antitumor effects of the immune system. Moreover, patients with at least three risk factors had a significantly lower OS and RFS compared with those with two or fewer risk factors. This new nomogram based on PNI and NLR may provide an accessible and individualized prediction of survival and recurrence for HCC patients.

Inflammation-based Indexes Upon Adjuvant Chemotherapy Initiation as a Predictor of Relapse After Curative Resection of Colorectal Cancer With an Oxaliplatin-based Regimen

BACKGROUND/AIM

We investigated the clinical efficacy of inflammation-based indexes in predicting unfavourable relapse-free survival (RFS) in patients with stage II/III colorectal cancer (CRC) receiving oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 45 patients who underwent curative resection for stage II/III CRC followed by oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy after 8 weeks. Upon adjuvant chemotherapy initiation, all patients were evaluated for lymphocyte count (LC), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI), after which their correlation with relapse was analysed.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis identified LC <1,350/mm ³ , NLR ≥2.03, LMR <5.15, PLR ≥209, mGPS 2, and early discontinuation of chemotherapy within two months as significant risk factors for RFS. Multivariate analysis identified LMR <5.15, PLR > 209 and mGPS 2 as significant independent risk factors for unfavourable RFS.

CONCLUSION

Measurement of LMR, PLR, and mGPS upon adjuvant therapy initiation can be a useful tool for predicting recurrence after curative surgery for stage II/III CRC.

Prognostic Nutritional Index and Major Adverse Cardiac Events After Burn Surgery: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis

Burn injuries can cause significant malnutrition, leading to cardiovascular impairments. The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) predicts postoperative complications. We evaluated the impact of preoperative PNI on major adverse cardiac events (MACE) after burn surgery. PNI was calculated using the equation, 10×(serum albumin level)+0.005×(total lymphocyte count). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the predictors for MACE at 6 months after burn surgery. Receiver operating characteristic curve and propensity score matching analyses were conducted. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier analysis was conducted to compare postoperative 1-year mortality between MACE and non-MACE groups. MACE after burn surgery occurred in 184 (17.5%) of 1049 patients. PNI, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, and TBSA burned were significantly related to MACE. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of PNI was 0.729 (optimal cutoff value = 35). After propensity score matching, the incidence of MACE in the PNI <35 group was higher than that in the PNI ≥35 group (20.1% vs 9.6%, P < .001). PNI <35 was related to an increased incidence of MACE (odds ratio = 2.373, 95% confidence interval = 1.499-3.757, P < .001). The postoperative 1-year mortality was higher in the MACE group than in the non-MACE group (54.9% vs 9.1%, P < .001). Preoperative PNI was a predictor for MACE after burn surgery. PNI <35 was significantly related to an increased incidence of MACE. Moreover, MACE was related to higher postoperative 1-year mortality.

Combination of Haemoglobin and Prognostic Nutritional Index Predicts the Prognosis of Postoperative Radiotherapy for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Purpose

To investigate the predictive effect of the combined markers of haemoglobin and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) on the long-term survival of patients undergoing postoperative radiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Patients and Methods

A total of 238 patients were included in this retrospective analysis. PNI was calculated as the serum albumin level (g/L) + 5 × absolute lymphocyte count, and the cut-off values of PNI and haemoglobin were calculated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Then, we combined haemoglobin and PNI, named the H-PNI score, as a predictor of tumour prognosis. The patients were divided into three groups: H-PNI score of 2 (having both hyper-haemoglobin and high PNI), H-PNI score of 1 (having one of these haematological abnormalities), and H-PNI score of 0 (having neither hyper-haemoglobin nor high PNI). The overall survival (OS) rate was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and survival differences between groups were evaluated using the Log rank test. Cox proportional hazards models were used for univariate and multivariate analyses. P values <0.05 indicated statistical significance.

Results

The cut-off values of haemoglobin and PNI were 132.5 (g/L) and 46.55, respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients with high haemoglobin and PNI levels had a significantly better prognosis than those with low haemoglobin and PNI levels (P = 0.015 and P = 0.002, respectively). Similarly, the survival rate was significantly lower in patients with an H-PNI score of 0 than in those with an H-PNI score of 1–2 (P=0.000). Univariate analysis indicated that differentiation, T and N classification, and H-PNI score were significantly associated with OS. Finally, differentiation (P=0.002), T and N classification (P=0.000), and H-PNI score (P=0.01) were independent prognostic factors for ESCC patients undergoing postoperative radiotherapy.

Conclusion

The H-PNI score was an independent prognostic factor for ESCC patients undergoing postoperative radiotherapy.

Enteral nutritional support in patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy for esophageal carcinoma

Esophageal cancer patients are at a high risk of malnutrition. Both the disease itself and chemoradiotherapy will lead to the deterioration of nutritional status. The development of nutritional oncology promotes the application of enteral nutrition in tumor patients. Through nutritional support, prognosis is improved and the incidence of adverse chemoradiotherapy reactions is reduced, especially in those with head and neck or esophageal cancer. This review summarizes enteral nutritional support in esophageal cancer patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy in recent years, including a selection of nutritional assessment tools, the causes and consequences of malnutrition in esophageal cancer patients, types of access and effects of enteral nutrition. More patients with esophageal cancer will benefit from the development of enteral nutrition technology in the future.

Prognostic nutritional index and postoperative outcomes in patients with colon cancer after laparoscopic surgery

PURPOSE

The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is calculated using the serum albumin and peripheral lymphocyte counts. We sought to assess the correlation between the preoperative PNI and postoperative outcomes in patients with colon cancer treated with laparoscopic surgery.

METHODS

We included 896 colon cancer patients who underwent curative laparoscopic colectomy between January 2013 and March 2016. To identify any predictors of the postoperative outcomes, we compared the clinical characteristics and immunonutritional parameters, including the PNI, between patients classified as the Clavien-Dindo grade 2 or higher (n = 99) with those classified as grade 0 or 1 (n = 797).

RESULTS

A longer surgical time and a preoperative low PNI (< 49.8) (odds ratio; 1.913, p = 0.002) were independent predictors of postoperative complications according to a multivariate analysis. A preoperative low PNI was significantly associated with an older age, a lower performance status, a lower BMI, higher CEA levels, an advanced T status, lymph node metastasis, a longer operative time, a higher blood loss, a larger tumor size, treatment with a combined resection, a longer time to bowel recovery, a longer postoperative hospital stay, and a poor overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

A preoperative low PNI was found to be significantly associated with the incidence of postoperative complications, an advanced tumor status, and a poor prognosis. Further research is needed to understand how to best clinically utilize this promising parameter.

The relationships between systemic cytokine profiles and inflammatory markers in colorectal cancer and the prognostic significance of these parameters

BACKGROUND

Immunomodulatory cytokines and systemic inflammatory markers are important during cancer development and progression. This study investigated the association and prognostic impact of systemic cytokine profiles and inflammatory markers in colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) serum levels were measured using multiplex bead assays in CRC patients. Data on systemic inflammatory markers, such as the modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS), the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and fibrinogen, were collected. Survival analysis was performed to identify factors associated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

There were moderate-to-strong correlations within serum cytokines, as well as within systemic inflammatory markers, whereas the associations between serum cytokines and systemic inflammatory markers were generally weak. IL-8 and the LMR were independent significant prognostic factors for PFS and OS. The low IL-8 and high LMR group had the best survival (both PFS and OS) of all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic cytokine profiles and inflammatory markers have relatively weak intergroup correlations. A composite classification of systemic cytokine profiles and inflammatory markers has an enhanced prognostic value in CRC.

Preoperative systemic immune-inflammation index and prognostic nutritional index predict prognosis of patients with pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors after surgical resection

Background

Pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are a special subtype of lung cancer with treatment methods are limited and prognostic indicators are insufficient. The preoperative systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) are effective tumor biomarkers that have important significance for the prognosis of many malignant tumors. However, there is no similar research on the predictive value of SII and PNI for operable PNETs. Our study aimed to clarify the predictive value of SII and PNI in PNETs patients after surgical resection.

Methods

This study retrospectively analysed the relevant clinical data of PNETs patients who received surgical treatment from 2005 to 2015, which was obtained from patient's clinical records, blood test results recorded on admission before surgical treatment, and follow-up by hospital records.

Results

A total of 381 PNETs patients were enrolled in this study. Preoperative PNI was associated with age (P=0.001), T stage (P=0.001), tumor length (P=0.002), drinking status (P=0.013) and smoking status (P=0.049), while SII was significantly associated with T stage (P=0.001), tumor length (P=0.001) and TNM stage (P=0.001). There was significant difference between high SII and low PNI and worse OS of PENTs (P=0.001 and P<0.001). SII (P=0.002), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (P<0.001), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (P=0.001), lymph node metastasis (P<0.001), operation time (P=0.034<0.05), treatment (P<0.001) and PNI (P=0.044<0.05) were independent prognostic factors for PNETs identified by multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Conclusions

High SII and low PNI indicated poor prognosis of patients with PNETs. Both of SII and PNI can predict the prognosis of PNETs and stratify patients for better treatment.

The prognostic value of the prognostic nutritional index and inflammation-based markers in obstructive colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

Inflammation-based markers predict long-term outcomes of various malignancies. We investigated the relationship between these markers and the long-term survival in obstructive colorectal cancer (OCRC) patients with self-expandable metallic colonic stents (SEMSs) who subsequently received curative surgery.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 72 consecutive pathological stage II and III OCRC patients between 2013 and 2019. The prognostic significance of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was evaluated.

RESULTS

The overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival, and disease-free survival (DFS) were significantly shorter in the PNI < 35 group than in the PNI ≥ 35 group (p = 0.006, p < 0.001, and p = 0.003, respectively), and multivariate analyses revealed the PNI to be the only inflammation-based marker independently associated with the survival. A PNI < 35 was significantly associated with an elevated CA 19-9 level (p = 0.04) and longer postoperative hospital stay (p = 0.03). Adjuvant chemotherapy was also significantly associated with the OS (p = 0.040) and DFS (p = 0.011) in multivariate analyses.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that the PNI was a potent prognostic indicator. For OCRC patients, both systemic inflammation and the nutrition status seem to be important for predicting the prognosis, and administering adjuvant chemotherapy was very important.

Prognostic evaluation of colorectal cancer using three new comprehensive indexes related to infection, anemia and coagulation derived from peripheral blood

Background: Many indicators of peripheral blood in routine blood test (BRT) results of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients are related to prognosis. Currently, indexes such as NLR (Neutrophil-to- Lymphocyte Ratio), PLR (Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio) and LMR (Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte ratio) evaluate the survival risk of patients by assessing the inflammatory - immune status of CRCs. These indexes are more comprehensive and accurate than independent estimates. We hope to design more effective indexes through fully considering the correlation and significance between BRT indicators and prognosis, so as to play a guiding role in clinical malignant estimation of CRCs.

Methods: 701 CRCs in training set and 256 CRCs in test set were included in the study samples, and their clinical data, tumor pathology results and peripheral blood routine results were collected. The prognosis, progression, and survival status of all patients were determined after follow-up. Above data were used for statistical analysis and designing new indexes.

Results: It was found that high NE, MONO, RDW-CV/SD and PLT in peripheral blood indicated poor prognosis of DFS and OS. Conversely, CRCs with postoperative tumor progression or death had lower LY, EO, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, PDW, and P-LCR. IRR, ARR and CRR related to infection, anemia and coagulation were designed respectively using the largest AUC indicators (P<0.05) selected by ROC curve. The formula: IRR= (NE*MONO)/(LY*EO); ARR= (HGB*MCHC)/RDW-CV; CRR=PLT/PDW. Results of Kaplan‑Meier survival analysis and multivariate COX proportional hazard analysis adjusted for age, gender, TNM stage, infiltration, adhesion showed IRR, ARR, CRR were all able to be used as the evaluation standard of survival of CRC. The result was also authenticated in the test set.

Conclusion: We designed three different prognostic indexes of colorectal cancer, IRR, ARR and CRR, which could be used as risk indicators of CRC prognosis, tumor progression and survival.

Significance of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio and prognostic nutritional index for predicting clinical outcomes in T1-2 rectal cancer

Background

Inflammation-related parameters have been revealed to have prognostic value in multiple caners. However, the significance of some inflammation-related parameters, including the peripheral blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI), remains controversial in T1–2 rectal cancer (RC).

Methods

Clinical data of 154 T1–2 RC patients were retrospectively reviewed. The cut-off values for NLR, PLR, LMR, and PNI were determined by receiver operating characteristic curves. The relationships of these parameters with postoperative morbidities and prognosis were statistically analysed.

Results

The optimal cut-off values for preoperative NLR, PLR, LMR and PNI were 2.8, 140.0, 3.9, and 47.1, respectively. Significant but heterogeneous associations were found between NLR, PLR, LMR and PNI and clinicopathological factors. In addition, high NLR, high PLR, and low PNI were correlated with an increased postoperative morbidity rate. Patients with high NLR/PLR or low LMR/PNI had lower OS and DFS rates. On multivariate analysis, only high NLR was identified as an independent risk factor for poor DFS.

Conclusions

NLR, PLR, and PNI are valuable factors for predicting postoperative complications in T1–2 RC patients. A preoperative NLR of more than 2.8 is an independent prognostic factor for poor DFS in T1–2 RC patients.

DNA methylation of SFRP1, SFRP2, and WIF1 and prognosis of postoperative colorectal cancer patients

Background

As biomarkers, DNA methylation is used to detect colorectal cancer (CRC) and make assessment of CRC prognosis. The published findings showed the association between the methylation of SFRP1, SFRP2, and WIF1, located in the Wnt signaling pathway, and the prognosis of CRC were not consistent. Our study aimed to explore the potential possibility of SFRP1, SFRP2, and WIF1 concomitant promoter methylation as prognostic biomarkers of postoperative CRC patients.

Methods

As a total of 307 sporadic postoperative CRC patients were followed up, we detected SFRP1, SFRP2, and WIF1 methylation obtained from tumor tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues respectively on the basis of methylation-sensitive high resolution melting analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regressions were carried out so as to assess the potential possibility of SFRP1, SFRP2, and WIF1 promoter methylation as predictors of prognosis. Confounders in our study were controlled by Propensity Score (PS) analysis.

Results

The SFRP1, SFRP2, and WIF1 methylation levels in tumor tissues were significantly higher than that in adjacent non-tumor tissues (P < 0.001). SFRP2 hypermethylation was significantly associated with a favorable clinical outcome at the hazard ratio (HR) of 0.343 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.164–0.718, P = 0.005] and 0.410 (95% CI: 0.200–0.842, P = 0.015) in multivariate Cox regression and PS analysis, respectively. Co-hypermethylation of SFRP1 and SFRP2 was significantly associated with a favorable clinical outcome at the HR of 0.333 (95% CI: 0.159–0.694, P = 0.003) and 0.398 (95% CI: 0.192–0.821, P = 0.013) in multivariate Cox regression and PS analysis, respectively. Co-hypermethylation of SFRP1, SFRP2 and WIF1 was significantly associated with a favorable clinical outcome at the HR of 0.326 (95% CI: 0.117–0.908, P = 0.032) and 0.401 (95% CI: 0.146–1.106, P = 0.077) in multivariate Cox regression and PS analysis, respectively.

Conclusions

SFRP1, SFRP2, and WIF1 were frequently hypermethylated in CRC tumor tissues. It was apparent that the promoter hypermethylation of SFRP2 and co-hypermethylation of SFRP1 and SFRP2 might be considered as independent prognostic predictors for survival advantage of postoperative CRC patients.

Impact of the preoperative prognostic nutritional index on postoperative and survival outcomes in colorectal cancer patients who underwent primary tumor resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

We aimed to explore whether the preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) could be an indicator of prognostic outcomes in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. All original comparative studies published in English that were related to a high PNI versus a low PNI in CRC patients were included.

RESULTS

A total of 10 studies involving 6372 patients were included in our meta-analysis. Our overall analysis indicated that the low-PNI group had a significantly reduced overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.45-2.42, P < 0.01), cancer-specific survival (HR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.07-2.19, P = 0.02), and disease-free survival (HR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.23-2.26, P < 0.01) compared with the high-PNI group. Furthermore, our subgroup results indicated that a high PNI could be a significant indicator of improved OS in TNM stage II (HR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.29-2.90, P < 0.01) and III (HR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.25-2.34, P < 0.01), and a similar trend in TNM stage I or IV could also be observed though without statistical significance. Regarding postoperative complications, our pooled results indicated that the low-PNI group had a significantly increased incidence of total and severe postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that CRC patients with a preoperative high PNI had a significantly improved OS. However, almost only Asian CRC patients were included based on current issue.

Clinical Implications of Pretreatment: Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio in Patients With Rectal Cancer Receiving Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Despite advances in local control of rectal cancer, recurrence in distant organs is still one of the main causes of mortality. Prognostic biomarkers would be valuable for the treatment of patients who have rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to investigate the prognostic impact of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio in patients with rectal cancer receiving preoperative chemoradiotherapy, and to clarify the clinical significance of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio.

DESIGN

Prospectively maintained data of patients with rectal cancer were retrospectively evaluated to clarify the clinical relevance of the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio.

SETTING

This study was conducted at a single expert center.

PATIENTS

A total of 119 consecutive patients with rectal cancer through chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision at our institute were enrolled in this study. Eight patients were excluded because of a lack of laboratory data, and finally 111 patients were assessed in this study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measured was the clinical relevance of the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio in patients with rectal cancer receiving chemoradiotherapy.

RESULTS

Patients with a low pretreatment lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio showed poor prognosis significantly both in overall survival and disease-free survival of those with rectal cancer receiving chemoradiotherapy. Multivariate analyses showed that low pretreatment lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio level, presence of pathological lymph node metastasis (ypN(+)), and high pretreatment serum C-reactive protein level were independent prognostic factors of overall survival and disease-free survival. In addition, time-to-event analysis divided into 2 groups by ypN status showed that low pretreatment lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio was correlated with poor overall survival and disease-free survival not only in group ypN(-) but also in group ypN(+).

LIMITATIONS

The present study had several limitations, including that it was a retrospective observational and single institutional study with Japanese patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio and ypN status can be a predictive marker of poor prognosis and recurrence among patients with rectal cancer undergoing preoperative chemoradiotherapy. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A780.

Total cell-free DNA, carcinoembryonic antigen, and C-reactive protein for assessment of prognosis in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer

In late-stage metastatic colorectal cancer, difficult treatment decisions should incorporate a thorough evaluation of the patient’s general condition and subject for shared decision making. Assessment of the individual patients’ prognosis is valuable in this setting. The aim was to analyze the prognostic value of plasma levels of total cell-free DNA, carcinoembryonic antigen and C-reactive protein in 97 heavily pretreated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Patients received irinotecan, cetuximab, and everolimus in a phase-2 clinical trial ( clinicaltrials.gov NCT01387880). Plasma samples were used for DNA purification and quantification of total cell-free DNA by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction. Serum carcinoembryonic antigen and C-reactive protein were analyzed by routine methods. Clinical endpoints were overall survival and progression-free survival. A total of 82 patients had blood samples available for quantification of total cell-free DNA. Patients with pre-treatment cell-free DNA levels higher than the median total cell-free DNA (9800 alleles per milliliter plasma) had a significantly shorter overall survival of 4.3 months (95% confidence interval: 3.6–5.8) compared to patients with cell-free DNA levels below the median with an overall survival of 11.3 months (95% confidence interval: 8.0–14.8, p < 0.0001). When using the upper normal limit from a previously analyzed normal control group, the median overall survival was 11.3 (95% confidence interval: 7.3–14.8) and 4.3 (95% confidence interval: 3.7–6.1) months, respectively (p < 0.0001). Serum carcinoembryonic antigen and C-reactive protein had similar prognostic value with short overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with elevated levels compared to those within normal range. A high-risk profile of elevated cell-free DNA, carcinoembryonic antigen, and C-reactive protein was described, but in combined Cox regression multivariate analysis, only total cell-free DNA preserved a strong prognostic value. In conclusion, total cell-free DNA in plasma, carcinoembryonic antigen, and C-reactive protein could all contribute to assessment of patients’ prognosis and potentially aid in clinical decision making in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

The predictive value of a preoperative systemic immune-inflammation index and prognostic nutritional index in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Growing evidence indicates that systemic inflammation response and malnutrition status are correlated with survival in certain types of solid tumors. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and overall survival (OS) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after esophagectomy. A consecutive series of 655 patients with resected ESCC who underwent esophagectomy were enrolled in the retrospective study. The preoperative SII was defined as platelet × neutrophil/lymphocyte counts. The PNI was calculated as albumin concentration (g/L) + 5 × total lymphocyte count (10⁹ /L). The optimal cut-off values of SII, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and PNI were determined by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method with a log-rank test, followed by a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. A high SII was significantly related to tumor size, histological type, invasion depth, and TNM stage (p < 0.05). A low PNI was significantly associated with age, tumor size, invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage (p < 0.05). Univariate analysis revealed that age, smoking history, tumor size, invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, SII, NLR, PLR, and PNI were predictors of OS (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified age (p = 0.041), tumor size (p = 0.016), invasion depth (p < 0.001), lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001), SII (p = 0.033), and PNI (p = 0.022) as independent prognostic factors correlated with OS. There was a significant inverse relationship between the SII and PNI (r = 0.309; p < 0.001). The predictive value increased when the SII and PNI were considered in combination. Our results demonstrate that the preoperative high SII and low PNI are powerful indicators of aggressive biology and poor prognosis for patients with ESCC. The combination of SII and PNI can enhance the accuracy of prognosis.

Association of peripheral blood cell count-derived ratios, biomarkers of inflammatory response and tumor growth with outcome in previously treated metastatic colorectal carcinoma patients receiving cetuximab

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of peripheral-blood cell count (PBC)-derived ratios, other biomarkers of inflammation and biomarkers of tumor growth with outcome in a cohort of patients presenting for the next line of therapy after the failure of prior systemic treatment. The data of 51 patients with advanced/metastatic colorectal carcinoma treated with cetuximab in the second or higher line of therapy were retrospectively analyzed. The median duration of cetuximab therapy and the median survival were 5.1 and 12.1 months, respectively. C-reactive protein (CRP), but not urinary neopterin correlated significantly with PBC-derived ratios. Both CRP and urinary neopterin correlated positively with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) concentrations and biomarkers of liver dysfunction. Although a number of parameters predicted overall survival in univariate analysis, only hemoglobin, CEA change and serum bilirubin were independent predictors of survival. In conclusion, in patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma and predominantly liver metastases, the outcome of therapy in the advanced line setting was associated with initial hemoglobin level, a decrease of CEA concentration and initial presence of liver dysfunction. Urinary neopterin did not correlate with PBC-derived ratios, in contrast to CRP, but both urinary neopterin and serum CRP concentrations correlated with laboratory parameters of liver dysfunction.

Preoperative platelet-lymphocyte ratio is an independent factor of poor prognosis after curative surgery for colon cancer

Interaction between tumour and host triggers a systemic inflammatory response. This situation has been associated to cancer progression. Several peripheral blood inflammatory scores have been recently developed, as PLR. Data about the relationship between these scores and cancer prognosis are contradictory. Therefore, the aim of our work is to evaluate the capability of PLR to predict long-term outcomes (OS and RFS) in patients who underwent curative surgery for colon cancer. A retrospective study was designed with patients who underwent curative surgery for colon cancer between September 2008 and January 2012 at Rio Hortega University Hospital, Valladolid (Spain). We analysed the influence of PLR and other clinical variables on OS and RFS. Finally, 201 patients were analysed. Optimal cut-off value for PLR, established with ROC curves, was 153. 1-, 3- and 5-year OS were: 99.0, 90.4 and 82.3% for low PLR, and 93.8, 74.9 and 61.9% for high PLR, p < 0.001. 1-, 3- and 5-year RFS were: 92.4, 84.7 and 77.6% for low PLR, and 83.3, 64.5 and 52.6% for high PLR, p < 0.001. In MVA, high PLR was an independent negative prognostic factor for OS (HR = 2.11; 95% CI 1.22-3.66; p = 0.008) and RFS (HR = 1.99; 95% CI 1.19-3.34; p = 0.009). PLR represents an independent negative prognostic factor for OS and RFS in our sample of patients who underwent curative surgery for colon cancer. However, further studies with a larger sample size from different populations are necessary to confirm this conclusion.