Glasgow Prognostic Score and Prognosis After Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background Systemic inflammation can promote tumor growth. The Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), a simple assessment of systemic inflammation status, could be useful to predict the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after hepatectomy. Methods Consecutive HCC patients were enrolled following hepatectomy at our institution between 2005 and 2012. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify variables associated with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival. Patients were stratified according to the GPS. To minimize selection bias, propensity score analysis was performed. Results An elevated GPS (1-2), des-gamma carboxyprothrombin levels (>= 40 mAU/mL), and the presence of multiple tumors were significantly associated with a poor OS. Alpha-fetoprotein levels (>= 20.0 ng/mL), des-gamma carboxyprothrombin levels (>= 40 mAU/mL), and the presence of multiple tumors were independent risk factors for a poor recurrence-free survival. After one-to-one matching, 92 patients each with a normal GPS (0) and an elevated GPS (1-2) had similar preoperative and operative characteristics. Poorer OS times in patients with an elevated GPS were confirmed by excluding possible misinterpretation. Conclusions An elevated GPS was an independent prognostic indicator for OS after hepatectomy in HCC patients. The GPS, which employs inexpensive and readily available biomarkers, could be a novel tool for predicting survival in such patients.