Prognostic Value of Combination of Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte-Ratio and CYFRA 21-1 in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background This study aimed to investigate the potential of a combined score based on CYFRA 21-1 level and LMR as a prognostic predictor for patients with ESCC. Methods A total of 460 patients who underwent esophagectomy were analyzed, and three groups were established based on the CA-LMR score. OS and RFS were evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier analysis, and associated factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate Cox analysis. A mpStage system was also established based on the CA-LMR score. Results The allocation of CA-LMR score of 0, 1, and 2 was 107 (23.3%), 280 (60.9%), and 73 (15.9%). There was a significant association between CA-LMR and male gender ( P = 0.001), lower BMI ( P = 0.035), longer tumor lesions ( P = 0.002), and high pT, pN, pStage ( P < 0.001, P = 0.011, P = 0.001). The 5-year OS rates for CA-LMR scores of 0, 1, and 2 were 75.4%, 60.2%, and 32.8%, respectively ( P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that CA-LMR score ( P = 0.011) was an independent prognostic factor for OS. The proposed mpStage system, based on CA-LMR score, demonstrated superior discriminatory ability, monotonicity, homogeneity, and prognosis prediction ability over AJCC 8th pStage system. Conclusions The CA-LMR score, combined with tumor marker and inflammatory index, could use as a potential prognostic indicator; moreover, our modified pStage system exhibited superior stratification and prognostic accuracy for patients with ESCC.