Elevated pretreatment plasma fibrinogen level is associated with metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Abstract

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between pretreatment fibrinogen levels and metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods The study included 503 NSCLC patients with a clear pathological diagnosis and 168 patients diagnosed with benign lung diseases by histological examination. Pretreatment plasma fibrinogen values were quantified, and the relationship between plasma fibrinogen level and clinical variables comprising tumor size, metastasis, and clinical stage was examined using Kruskal-Wallis test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and Chi-square test. Results The median plasma fibrinogen values were statistically higher in NSCLC patients with metastasis than patients with benign lung diseases and NSCLC patients without metastasis (Kruskal-Wallis test; P < 0.001). Plasma fibrinogen values were also significantly higher in advanced clinical stages (Wilcoxon rank sum test; P < 0.001). A significant relationship was observed between elevated fibrinogen (> 2.974 g/L) and metastasis, clinical stage, and tumor size (Chi-square test; P < 0.001). Conclusion This correlation suggests that elevated pretreatment plasma fibrinogen levels can predict metastasis and advanced tumor stage in NSCLC patients.