Prognostication by inflammation-based score in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy

Background: An association between inflammatory/immunonutritional status and patient prognosis has been reported in various types of cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of inflammatory/immunonutritional factors as therapeutic predictors for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

Methods: Ninety-six patients with histologically proven locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent CRT were enrolled in this study. We evaluated significance of inflammation-based factors as predictors of therapeutic effect and prognosis.

Results: The median progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of all patients was 10 and 18 months, respectively. A Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) of 2 and plasma fibrinogen levels ≥ 400 mg/dL were independent predictors of poor PFS and OS. A prognostic nutritional index (PNI) ≥ 45 was a predictor of a significantly better reduction rate of the primary tumor. The prognosis between patients with GPS 0/1 and fibrinogen <400 mg/dL, GPS 2 or fibrinogen ≥400 mg/dL, and GPS 2 and fibrinogen ≥400 mg/dL were significantly different. Patients with GPS 2 and/or plasma fibrinogen ≥ 400 mg/dL had significantly higher incidence of metastasis within 6 months after CRT.

Conclusions: GPS, fibrinogen, PNI are useful therapeutic and prognostic predictors in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer treated with CRT.