Hematological biomarkers for predicting pathologic response to neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy and cycle optimization in locally advanced gastric cancer - Report - MDSpire

Hematological biomarkers for predicting pathologic response to neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy and cycle optimization in locally advanced gastric cancer

  • By

  • Xinglong Lu

  • Xiang Cui

  • Hao Chen

  • Jianling Zhang

  • Shengbing Zhao

  • Baoshun Yang

  • Yang Yang

  • Nan Du

  • Wenxiang Ma

  • Jixi An

  • Yongjiang Yu

  • May 25, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Hematological Indicators for Pathological Outcomes in LAGC

Overview

This study identifies pre-treatment neutrophil count and post-treatment albumin as independent predictors of major pathologic response (MPR) in locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) patients undergoing neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (NICT). Additionally, it highlights the potential benefit of extended therapy cycles for patients with low pre-treatment neutrophil levels.

Background

Gastric cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (NICT) has emerged as a promising treatment strategy for locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC). Understanding the predictive value of hematological parameters can help identify patients who are more likely to benefit from NICT, thereby optimizing treatment strategies and improving outcomes.

Data Highlights

ParameterAdjusted Odds Ratio (OR)95% Confidence Interval (CI)P-value
Pre-treatment Neutrophil Count0.830.70–0.990.033
Post-treatment Albumin0.920.85–1.000.042
Post-treatment Platelet Count1.011.00–1.010.014

Key Findings

  • Pre-treatment neutrophil count is an independent protective factor for MPR in LAGC patients receiving NICT.
  • Post-treatment albumin levels are also predictive of MPR.
  • Post-treatment platelet count serves as an independent risk factor for MPR.
  • Patients with pre-treatment neutrophils <3.39×109/L benefit significantly from receiving 4 cycles of NICT.
  • Extended neoadjuvant therapy correlates with higher pathologic complete response rates in specific patient subgroups.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider pre-treatment neutrophil counts and post-treatment albumin levels when assessing the likelihood of pathologic response to NICT in LAGC patients. Additionally, extending the number of treatment cycles for patients with low pre-treatment neutrophil counts may enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the importance of hematological parameters in predicting treatment responses in LAGC, suggesting that tailored neoadjuvant strategies could improve patient outcomes.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Gastric Cancer, Springer, 2019 -- The Role of Inflammatory and Nutritional Biomarkers in Predicting Survival Outcomes for Gastric Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and D2 Lymphadenectomy
  2. Creation of Clinical Inflammatory Models, Springer, 2025 -- Creation of Clinical Inflammatory Models to Assess Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Effectiveness and Patient Survival in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis
  3. Combined Neoadjuvant Therapy, Springer, 2025 -- Combined Neoadjuvant Therapy Utilizing Immune Checkpoint Inhibition, Anti-Angiogenic Agents, and Chemotherapy Improves Pathological Outcomes and Survival Rates in Locally Advanced and Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Findings from a Multicenter Study
  4. Frontiers in Immunology, 2026 -- Characterization of the tumor microenvironment in locally advanced gastric cancer and identification of spatially predictive biomarkers associated with beneficial neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy
  5. PubMed, 2023 -- Perioperative Durvalumab in Gastric and Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer
  6. Perioperative Durvalumab in Gastric and Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer - PubMed
  7. Inflammatory and nutritional markers predict response and prognosis of patients with locally advanced gastric cancer receiving neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy | BMC Gastroenterology

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