Factors associated with post-relapse survival in patients with recurrent cervical cancer: the value of the inflammation-based Glasgow Prognostic Score

PurposeThe aim of the present study was to assess the value of the Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) as a prognostic tool for predicting post-relapse survival (PRS) in patients with recurrent cervical cancer.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated the data of 116 patients with recurrent cervical cancer in whom serologic biomarkers had been assessed at the time of relapse. The GPS was calculated as follows: patients with elevated serum C-reactive protein levels and hypoalbuminemia were allocated a score of 2, and those with 1 or no abnormal value were allocated a score of 1 and 0, respectively. To assess the association between factors including the GPS and PRS, we performed uni- and multivariate survival analyzes.ResultsAfter a median follow-up of 20.9months from recurrence, a 5-year PRS rate of 25% (SE 4.7%) was observed. Only in 29.8% of the patients, recurrence was limited to the pelvis. In uni- and multivariate survival analyzes, the GPS [HR 1.6 (95% CI 0.9-2.4), p=0.01], a history of radiation therapy as part of initial treatment [HR 2.7 (95% CI 1.1-6.9), p=0.03], and the presence of peritoneal carcinomatosis or multiple sites of relapse [HR 4.2 (95% CI 1.9-9.3), p<0.001] were associated with shorter PRS. The GPS correlated with higher squamous cell carcinoma antigen levels (p=0.001), shorter median PRS (p=0.009), and less intensive treatment for relapse (p=0.02).ConclusionsA higher GPS at the time of relapse, a history of radiation therapy, and the presence of peritoneal carcinomatosis or multiple sites of relapse are independently associated with shorter PRS in patients with recurrent cervical cancer.