Inflammation-based prognostic scores predict the prognosis of locally advanced cervical esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients receiving curative concurrent chemoradiotherapy: a propensity score-matched analysis

Introduction. The present study investigated the crucial role of inflammation-based prognostic scores in locally advanced cervical esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients who underwent curative concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Methods. There were 411 ESCC patients enrolled, including 63 cervical ESCC patients. Using the propensity score matching method, 63 thoracic ESCC patients were matched to the 63 cervical ESCC patients. The inflammation-based prognostic scores included the neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR), albumin level, c-reactive protein (CRP) level, modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS), and CRP/albumin ratio. The chi-square test and Kaplan-Meier method were used for categorical variable data and overall survival, respectively. A Cox regression model was performed for univariate and multivariable analyses. Results. With respect to cervical ESCC, NLR >= 2.5 (P = 0.019), PLR >= 103 (P = 0.013), CRP value > 10 mg/l (P = 0.040), mGPS >= 1 (P = 0.040), and CRP/albumin ratio >= 9.5 (P = 0.033) were significant predictors of worse overall survival (OS) in the univariate analysis. In a multivariable analysis, PLR >= 103 (P = 0.010, HR: 2.66, 95% CI [1.27-5.58]) and mGPS >= 1 (P = 0.030, HR: 2.03, 95% CI [1.07-3.86]) were the independent prognostic parameters of worse OS. The prognostic value of these biomarkers in the matched thoracic ESCC patients was similar and compatible with the results in the cervical ESCC group in the univariate and multivariable analyses. Conclusions. Our study suggests that these inflammation-based prognostic scores are helpful in clinical practice, and PLR and mGPS may predict the prognosis for locally advanced cervical ESCC patients who receive curative CCRT.