Predictive value of systemic inflammatory response-related indices for survival in tongue cancer

Objectives We assessed the potential prognostic significance of the preoperative systemic inflammation index, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients who underwent surgical resection. Subjects and Methods This retrospective study included 224 patients with clinicopathologically confirmed squamous carcinoma of the tongue who underwent surgery between August 2009 and December 2017. The optimal cut-off values for the indices were determined by receiver operating characteristic curves. Correlations between the indices and clinicopathological variables were determined by Pearson chi-square or Fisher exact tests. The Kaplan-Meier test was used to compare overall survival between groups (high and low values); the log-rank or Breslow test was used to assess differences in survival. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to analyze predictive values of the indices as independent indicators of overall survival. Bilateral p values of Significant association was found between the indices and sex, tissue grade, tumor location, and lymph nodes metastases (p < 0.05). On Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with lower values of the indices had longer overall survival (p < 0.05). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models identified age, lymph node metastases, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as independent predictors of overall survival. Conclusion The studied indices have potential prognostic significance in patients with squamous tongue cancer.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the prognostic significance of the preoperative systemic inflammation index, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with squamous carcinoma of the tongue. The results showed significant associations between these indices and sex, tissue grade, tumor location, and lymph nodes metastases. Patients with lower values of the indices had longer overall survival. Age, lymph node metastases, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were identified as independent predictors of overall survival.