Abstract
Simple SummaryIn this study, we assess the prognostic potential of immune and inflammatory elements determined preoperatively in the peripheral blood of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Preoperative plasma fibrinogen (Fib) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) show strong correlations with patients’ outcomes. Analyzed together, in a new parameter named Fibrinogen-PLR Algorithm (FiPLA), predictive power increases significantly. Clinicians can use this new, easy, cost-effective, and globally available tool for risk stratification of patients with OSCC, as early as from the moment of diagnosis.(1) Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignancy, and the impact of immune and inflammatory mechanisms in its development and progression are of major interest. The aim of our study is to assess the prognostic potential of circulating immune and inflammatory elements determined preoperatively in patients with OSCC, as well as the development of a new compound parameter with predictive value. (2) Methods: We assessed preoperative fibrinogen (Fib) and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in 111 OSCC patients. Using a mathematic algorithm, we determined a composite parameter with cumulative information from Fib and PLR, named Fibrinogen-PLR Algorithm (FiPLA). Survival analysis, followed by bivariate and multivariate analyses, was subsequently conducted. (3) Results: Increased preoperative Fib and PLR levels were associated with poor outcome in OSCC (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0015, respectively). Preoperative FiPLA values were also associated with poor patient survival (p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis confirmed the independent prognostic role for FiPLA only (CI95% 1.232–67.770, p = 0.03), showing the superior predictive value of FiPLA compared to its individual components. (4) Conclusions: Preoperative assessments of circulating immune and inflammatory elements can provide high-quality prognostic information, and they represent valuable tools in clinical practice, facilitating the early risk stratification of patients with OSCC.
Highlights
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignancy worldwide, with a global incidence of 377.713 new cases in 2020 [1]
A wide variety of molecules that meet the criteria for biomarkers was investigated in scientific research conducted on OSCC; they were not introduced in standard clinical care due to the challenges raised by costs, the necessity of specific equipment, and specially trained personal [8,9,10,11,12]
From 223 subjects diagnosed with OSCC in our department between 2016 and 2019, patients met the eligibility criteria and were included in this study
Summary
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignancy worldwide, with a global incidence of 377.713 new cases in 2020 [1]. Even though pathological TNM staging provides more accurate information, it is only available after therapy has been initiated and a patient has undergone surgical treatment [4]. In the scientific world, there is a continuous quest for different elements with predictive potential that can increase the accuracy of disease characterization in terms of aggressiveness, response to therapy, and survival. These biomarkers should be available as early as possible, even from the moment of diagnosis, and should be cost efficient for worldwide implementation, providing the advantage of optimal risk stratification and therapy selection before the initiation of any treatment. A wide variety of molecules that meet the criteria for biomarkers was investigated in scientific research conducted on OSCC; they were not introduced in standard clinical care due to the challenges raised by costs, the necessity of specific equipment, and specially trained personal [8,9,10,11,12]
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