Combination of lymphocyte count and albumin concentration as a novel prognostic index in cholangiocarcinoma

IntroductionCholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a cancer arising from the intra- or extrahepatic bile ducts Here, we evaluated the prognostic significance of a new inflammation-based scoring system derived from preoperative lymphocyte count x albumin (LA) in cholangiocarcinoma patients.Material and methodsThe study included 36 patients who underwent surgical treatment for cholangiocarcinoma between 2010 and 2021. We defined the LA as lymphocyte count (/L)×albumin (g/L) The cut-off point was determined by ROC curves. The patients were divided into two groups according to the cut-off point: Group1 (Low LA) and Group2 (High LA). These groups were compared for clinical characteristics, recurrence, and overall survival.ResultsThe patients were divided into two groups as Group1 (Low LA) and Group2 (High LA) according to the cut-off point of 5400. The male sex was dominant in the groups (76.2% vs. 86.7%; p:0.434). Hgb was lower (11.7 vs. 13.7; p:0.002) and CA19.9 was higher (310 vs. 71; p:0.013) in Group1. The length of hospital stay, reoperation, and 90-day readmission rate, were similar in the groups. The tumor size (2.8 cm vs. 3.13 cm; p:0.683) was similar in the groups. At follow-up, 33% of the patients in Group1 and 6.7% of the patients in Group2 developed recurrence (p:0.104). The survival was shorter in Group 1 (18 vs. 41.5 months; p:0.003).ConclusionsOur study established that an LA score below the cut-off point of 5400 was a prognostic factor associated with reduced survival. LA scores can be used to predict prognosis and make more individualized decisions in cholangiocarcinoma.