To evaluate the prognostic value of inflammation-based indices in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) systematically.
Approach:
Inclusion Criteria: Nine studies involving 2,986 NPC patients were included, assessing various inflammation-based biomarkers such as NLR, PLR, LMR, SII, SIRI, and PIV.
Key Findings:
Elevated inflammation-based markers were significantly associated with poor prognosis in NPC. The pooled HR for OS was 1.86 (95% CI: 1.42–2.43), and for PFS was 1.74 (95% CI: 1.31–2.30). SII and SIRI showed the strongest associations with poor outcomes (HR = 2.01 and 1.93, respectively). A higher LMR was associated with better prognosis (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.53–0.98). No significant publication bias was detected.
Interpretation:
Systemic inflammation-based biomarkers, particularly SII and SIRI, are strong, independent predictors of survival in NPC.
Limitations:
The study is limited to data available until December 2025. Variability in methodologies across included studies may affect the results and the generalizability of the findings.
Conclusion:
Future prospective studies are warranted to validate these findings and standardize biomarker thresholds.
