A combination of lymphocyte count and albumin concentration as a new prognostic index for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Aim
 The present study explores the prognostic significance of the lymphocytes (/L) × albumin (g/L) (LA) score and its relationship with the hepatocellular carcinoma. 
 Material and Methods
 The study included patients who underwent curative surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma between January 2004 and November 2020. The LA score was calculated using the formula lymphocytes (/L)×albumin (g/L). The patients were subsequently divided into two as Group 1 (Low LA) and Group 2 (High LA). The two groups were compared for clinical characteristics as well as oncological follow-up outcomes. 
 Results
 The study included 55 patients, who, based on an LA cut-off point of 4620, were divided into Group 1 (n=28) and Group 2 (n=27). The MELD score was higher in Group 1 (12 vs.9, p=0.022). The number of tumors, maximum tumor size and total tumor size were similar in both groups. At the last clinical follow-up, the mortality rate was 42.9% in Group 1 and 22.2% in Group 2. Recurrence rates were similar in both groups (42.9%vs.33.3% p=0.467), and total survival (126vs.164 months p=0.1) and disease-free survival (26 vs. 29 months p=0.926) were also similar.
 Conclusion
 The use of the composite LA index – an indicator of immunonutritional status as a prognostic marker may not be significant in HCC patients undergoing curative resection.