# The CALLY index in cancer research: a comprehensive review

**Authors:** Yangzheng Zhang, Weidong Liu

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/or.2026.1737805 · Oncology Reviews · 2026-02-19

## TL;DR

This review explores the CALLY index, a tool combining blood markers to predict cancer outcomes and guide treatment decisions.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive synthesis of the CALLY index's role in cancer prognosis and treatment guidance.

## Key findings

- The CALLY index correlates with survival outcomes across multiple cancer types.
- It combines C-reactive protein, albumin, and lymphocyte levels for prognostic value.
- Challenges remain in its widespread clinical adoption despite promising results.

## Abstract

This review focuses on the CALLY index in cancer, exploring its theoretical foundations, epidemiological insights, diagnostic and prognostic applications, therapeutic implications, controversies, and future perspectives. The CALLY index, based on C - reactive protein, albumin, and lymphocyte levels, has shown potential in predicting cancer prognosis and guiding treatment. Multiple studies across various cancer types indicate its association with survival outcomes, yet its widespread clinical adoption faces challenges. By synthesizing current research, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the CALLY index, highlighting its strengths, limitations, and potential for advancing cancer management in precision medicine.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** cancer (MONDO:0004992)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** ALB (albumin) [NCBI Gene 213] {aka FDAHT, HSA, PRO0883, PRO0903, PRO1341}, CRP (C-reactive protein) [NCBI Gene 1401] {aka PTX1}, SPATA2 (spermatogenesis associated 2) [NCBI Gene 9825] {aka PD1, PPP1R145, tamo}, TENM1 (teneurin transmembrane protein 1) [NCBI Gene 10178] {aka ODZ1, ODZ3, TEN-M1, TEN1, TNM, TNM1}
- **Diseases:** blood loss (MESH:D016063), esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (MESH:D000077277), toxicity (MESH:D064420), digestive system cancers (MESH:D004067), Cancer (MESH:D009369), lung cancer (MESH:D008175), acute myocardial infarction (MESH:D009203), pancreatic cancer (MESH:D010190), no - reflow phenomenon (MESH:D054318), colorectal cancer (MESH:D015179), deaths (MESH:D003643), metastases (MESH:D009362), melanoma (MESH:D008545), inflammation (MESH:D007249), sarcopenia (MESH:D055948), non - small cell lung cancer (MESH:D002289), OSCC (MESH:D000077195), esophageal cancer (MESH:D004938), nasopharyngeal cancer (MESH:D009303), hepatocellular carcinoma (MESH:D006528), obstructive jaundice (MESH:D041781), distal cholangiocarcinoma (MESH:D018281), epithelial ovarian cancer (MESH:D000077216), breast cancer (MESH:D001943), lymphatic metastasis (MESH:D008207), gastric and esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma (MESH:D013274)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606], human gammaherpesvirus 4 (Epstein Barr virus, no rank) [taxon 10376]

## Full text

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## References

22 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12960488/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12960488