Background: Lower albumin-globulin ratio (AGR) is associated with increased mortality in several cancers. However, no studies have evaluated the relationship between the AGR and prognostic outcome in esophageal cancer (EC) patients.
Methods: To identify indicators of early recurrence and poor prognosis, we assessed the clinicopathological findings and preoperative laboratory data (carcinoembryonic antigen [CEA], squamous cell carcinoma antigen, total protein, and albumin) of 112 EC patients who underwent surgery. The AGR was calculated as albumin/(total protein-albumin).
Results: A lower AGR was significantly associated with tumor progression. The CEA level was an independent predictor for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The AGR and CEA combination was identified as a feasible indicator of poor prognosis and early recurrence. Among EC patients without lymph node metastasis, those with lower AGR had poorer DFS and OS than those with higher AGR.
Conclusion: AGR was identified as a significant predictor of OS and DFS in EC patients. Among EC patients without lymph node metastasis, AGR may help identify candidates who might benefit from more intensive adjuvant therapy.
Keywords: Albumin to globulin ratio; Esophageal cancer; Prognosis.
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