Prognostic Implications of Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (Easix) in Multiple Myeloma Patients

Abstract

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B-cell malignant neoplasm. The Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX) is easily produced with common laboratory indicators ([creatinine× LDH]/platelets). The purpose of this study was to determine whether EASIX score could be a novel prognostic marker for MM patients and its implications on the outcome of the disease. Subjects & methods: Forty MM patients were involved in the study in addition to 40 normal individuals as controls. Initially after diagnosis, the International Staging System (ISS) was evaluated, and EASIX score was calculated. Bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (VCD) were administered to each patient. The treatment response was evaluated, and the progression-free survival (PFS) was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results: EASIX score in MM patients was significantly higher than in controls; the optimal cutoff value of EASIX was determined at 3.5 by a ROC curve. According to the ISS, patients with high EASIX score at initial diagnosis were at a more advanced stage of disease. Based on EASIX Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, patients with higher scores had PFS times that were significantly shorter than those with a lower scores (9.813 vs. 11.542 months). Conclusion: EASIX score could be effective in predicting survival in MM patients.