The identification of novel biomarkers is of great importance for improving the outcome of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine whether the serum transthyretin (TTR) level could be used as a novel prognostic biomarker for patients with NSCLC. Serum TTR levels, and nutritional and inflammatory parameters were examined prior to treatment in 42 patients with NSCLC. Candidates for independent predictors of prognostic factors were subjected to univariate and multivariate analyses using a Cox proportional hazard model. IL-12-productivity, serum retinol binding protein, albumin and transferrin levels, and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio were significantly lower in the patients with TTR <22 mg/dl than those in the patients with TTR ≥22 mg/dl. Patients with serum TTR levels of <22 mg/dl exhibited a poorer overall (P=0.008) and recurrence-free survival (P=0.027) when compared with those with serum TTR levels of ≥22 mg/dl. The parameters, ≥T2 and age ≥75 years were independent prognostic factors for overall survival, and TTR <22 mg/dl and ≥T2 were independent prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival. In conclusion, anthropometric measurement of serum TTR, as well as T category, can be useful for predicting the 5-year recurrence-free survival of patients with NSCLC.
Keywords: malnutrition; non-small cell lung cancer; prealbumin; prognosis; transthyretin.