# Association between neutrophil percentage to albumin ratio and sarcopenia among cancer patients: evidence from both the Chinese and American cohorts

## TL;DR

This study shows that a blood test measuring neutrophil percentage and albumin can predict muscle loss in cancer patients in both the U.S. and China.

## Contribution

The study introduces NPAR as a novel, practical biomarker for sarcopenia risk in cancer patients.

## Key findings

- NPAR was significantly linked to sarcopenia in both U.S. and Chinese cancer patients.
- NPAR outperformed other inflammatory markers in predicting sarcopenia.
- Systemic inflammation and low protein intake partially explained the NPAR-sarcopenia link.

## Abstract

Sarcopenia, the progressive depletion of skeletal muscle mass and strength, worsens quality of life, and survival in cancer patients. Given its multifactorial pathogenesis involving chronic inflammation and malnutrition, integrated biomarkers for early risk assessment are needed.

This two-cohort study investigated the clinical utility of the neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) for sarcopenia risk stratification. We analyzed data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, n = 1,586) and a Chinese clinical cohort (n = 705). Associations were assessed using multivariable regression, threshold analysis, and ROC curves. Mediation analyses were performed in the NHANES cohort.

Elevated NPAR was significantly associated with higher odds of sarcopenia in both the American (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06–1.22) and Chinese (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04–1.14) populations, showing a dose-response relationship. Non-linear threshold effects were identified at NPAR = 14.7 (NHANES) and NPAR = 17.07 (Chinese cohort). NPAR outperformed other inflammatory indices in the clinical cohort (AUC = 0.568). Systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein) and dietary protein intake mediated 17.10% and 6.37% of the association, respectively. Sensitivity analyses supported robustness.

NPAR is a practical and cost-effective inflammatory-nutritional biomarker for sarcopenia risk stratification in cancer patients. It shows promise for early identification and personalized intervention across diverse populations.