Investigating the Prognostic Significance of Immune-Nutritional Indices in Esophageal Cancer Patients Following Esophagectomy

Abstract

Background: Esophageal cancer remains one of the most challenging malignancies to treat, with survival rates significantly influenced by various hematological and nutritional markers. Understanding these markers is critical in optimizing treatment approaches and improving patient outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of several markers, including Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW), Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Albumin, Total Lymphocyte Count (TLC), CRP Albumin ratio (CAR), and the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing esophagectomy. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted involving 43 patients diagnosed with esophageal carcinoma at Dr. Ruth K.M. Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi. Data collection included patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and laboratory results obtained from the Hospital Information and Management Security System (HIMSS). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with Kaplan–Meier survival curves and log-rank tests assessing the impact of hematological and nutritional markers on survival outcomes. Results: The majority of patients presented with advanced disease (Stage III and IV) and tumor sizes ranging from 5 to 10 cm. Mean survival times and statistical comparisons were analyzed, but no significant differences in survival based on the markers were observed. For example, patients with low and high PNI values did not show significant differences in survival (Log-rank test p-value = 0.382). Conclusion: The study did not demonstrate significant prognostic differences based on the evaluated hematological and nutritional markers. However, it highlights the importance of considering these factors in the overall management of esophageal cancer, suggesting further research with larger sample sizes and diverse populations is necessary.