Prognosis of patients with advanced bile tract carcinoma: assessment using the modified-Gustave Roussy Immune Score (mGRIm-s) as a clinico-immunological tool

Abstract

Background The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has enhanced survival outcomes for certain patients with advanced biliary tract carcinoma (BTC). Pinpointing those who would benefit most from immunotherapy remains elusive. We investigated the predictive value of the modified Gustave Roussy Immune Score (mGRIm-s) in BTC patients treated with ICIs. Methods Data from 110 patients at Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, spanning September 2015 to April 2021, were analyzed. The median follow-up duration was 38.7 months as of December 2023. Risk factors included low albumin, high lactate dehydrogenase, and an elevated neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio. Patients were stratified into low (patients with no risk factors) and high (patients with at least one risk factor) mGRIm-s groups based on these factors. Results Survival outcomes post-immunotherapy favored the low mGRIm-s group, with significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (8.50 months vs. 3.70 months and 21.60 months vs. 8.00 months). COX regression confirmed an elevated risk in the high mGRIm-s group. Subgroup analysis highlighted a notable survival advantage for low mGRIm-s patients receiving first-line immunotherapy. Conclusions This study underscores mGRIm-s's potential in predicting immunotherapy response in BTC, paving the way for more targeted approaches.