Inflammatory markers as prognostic factors in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

Abstract

IntroductionInflammatory markers have prognostic value in various tumors due to the role of inflammatory phenomena at different stages of tumor development. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the prognostic value of these markers, as well as other clinical and analytical variables in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Material and methodsProspective cohort study carried out on 80 patients diagnosed with mCRPC. Clinical and analytical data were collected, and the following inflammatory markers were estimated: Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC), Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Total Platelet Count (TPC), Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), Lymphocyte-Monocyte Ratio (LMR) and Systemic Inflammation Index (SII). The values of albumin, hemoglobin (Hb), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were also determined. ResultsPatients with ANC>7500, NLR>3, PLR>150, LMR>3 and/or SII>535,000, presented significantly lower median survival time than the remaining patients, and TPC was the only marker which did not show a significant association. Moreover, NLR, PLR and SII were inversely correlated with survival time. Patients with hypoalbuminemia, anemia, and elevated LDH values had significantly lower median survival time. Albumin and hemoglobin were directly correlated to overall survival time. The need for analgesia was also associated with shorter survival. ConclusionThe values of certain inflammatory markers are associated with shorter survival time in patients with mCRPC, and their use in clinical practice can be considered to evaluate the prognosis and estimate survival.