Prognostic Significance of the Advanced Lung Cancer Inflammation Index in Metastatic Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis of 96 Patients

Background:The advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) is regarded as a potential indicator of systemic inflammation.This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of the ALI in 96 patients with advanced small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Material/Methods:This retrospective study included 96 patients who were diagnosed with extensive stage SCLC in a single institution between 2016 and 2022.The formula for ALI is body mass index (kg/m 2 )×serum albumin (g/dL)/neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio.Patients were divided into low inflammation (ALI ³32.5) and high inflammation (ALI <32.5) groups.Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional analysis were conducted to assess the association between the ALI and patient prognosis. Results:Median age was 61 (range: 41-82) years.Median follow-up was 9 months, and median overall survival (OS) was 10 months (95% CI: 7.75-12.45).A lower ALI score (ALI <32.5) was correlated with a poorer OS than was a higher ALI score (median OS 7 months for ALI <32.5 95% CI: 4.6-9.3vs 15 months for ALI ³32.5, 95% CI: 10.6-19.3,P<0.001).In the multivariate analysis, ALI score, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, brain metastasis, and bone metastasis were identified as independent prognostic factors. Conclusions:ALI score is a substantial predictor of survival in SCLC as in other types of cancer types.Patients with a low ALI score have poorer survival.Assessment of ALI can identify lung cancer patients at high risk of poor prognosis and can be a useful prognostic marker in clinical practice.