Prognostic Value of Systemic Immune Inflammation Index in Squamous Cell Lung Cancer

TL;DR

This study shows that blood-based inflammation markers can predict survival in squamous cell lung cancer patients, especially where advanced tests are unavailable.

Contribution

The study demonstrates the prognostic value of the systemic immune-inflammation index in squamous cell lung cancer.

Findings

High SII, NLR, and PLR levels correlate with shorter survival in SCC patients.

Inflammatory biomarkers offer a low-cost alternative for prognosis in resource-limited settings.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Squamous cell lung cancer (SCC) presents a significant treatment challenge due to its poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. In many resource-limited countries, access to advanced molecular testing is often unavailable, making the identification of novel and reliable prognostic markers crucial for improving patient selection for systemic treatments. Methods: This single-center, retrospective study investigated the prognostic value of inflammatory biomarkers, including the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), in 134 patients diagnosed with SCC. Patients were stratified into groups based on optimal cut-off values determined by ROC analysis for each biomarker. Results: Elevated levels of the SII, NLR, and PLR were significantly associated with shorter overall survival in patients with SCC (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: These easily accessible and cost-effective laboratory parameters are particularly valuable in settings where molecular testing is not available, aiding in the identification of high-risk patients and optimizing treatment selection for chemotherapy.

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