The Importance of Prognostic Factors

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 115 views

Abstract

Osteosarcoma is a type of aggressive malignant bone cancer with a life expectancy of 5 years below 20%. The search for accurate prognostic factors is crucial to increase the chances of patient recovery. This study examines the role of preoperative lymphocytes ratios (LMR) as a prognostic factor in life expectancy of osteosarcoma patients at the Adam Malik Hajj General Hospital (HAM) Medan. The results showed that high preoperative LMRs were significantly related to a better life expectancy in osteosarcoma patients.

Introduction

Osteosarcoma: A Life-Threatening Disease

Osteosarcoma is a type of cancer that originates from the bone tissue. It is an aggressive malignant bone cancer that affects the bones and joints, causing severe pain and limited mobility. According to the American Cancer Society, the life expectancy of osteosarcoma patients is below 20% within 5 years of diagnosis. The search for accurate prognostic factors is crucial to increase the chances of patient recovery.

The Importance of Prognostic Factors

Prognostic factors are indicators that can predict the outcome of a disease. In the case of osteosarcoma, prognostic factors can help determine the likelihood of patient recovery and the effectiveness of treatment. Accurate prognostic factors can also help healthcare providers develop personalized treatment plans, improving patient outcomes.

Methodology

Study Design and Population

This study was conducted retrospectively involving 45 osteosarcoma patients treated at Medan Human Rights Hospital during the period January 2013 to December 2018. The patients were selected based on their medical records and demographic information.

Preoperative Lymphocytes Ratios (LMR)

Preoperative LMR was classified into two groups: high and low, based on the cut-off value obtained from the analysis of the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC). The LMR was calculated by dividing the number of lymphocytes by the number of monocytes.

Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis using Kaplan-Meier Survival Curve was carried out to find out the LMR relationship with the patient's life expectancy.

Results

High Preoperative LMRs and Life Expectancy

The results showed that high preoperative LMRs were significantly related to a better life expectancy in osteosarcoma patients. Groups of patients with high LMR have a higher life expectancy compared to groups of patients with low LMR.

LMR as a Potential Prognostic Factor

These results support the role of LMR as a potential prognostic factor for osteosarcoma. High LMR can indicate a stronger immune response, which may play a role in inhibiting the development of tumors.

Discussion

The Mechanism Underlying LMR Relationship

However, it is necessary to further investigate the mechanism that underlies the LMR relationship with the prognosis of osteosarcoma. The exact mechanism is still unclear, and further research is needed to understand the relationship between LMR and osteosarcoma prognosis.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, such as a relatively small sample size and retrospective data collected. Further research with a prospective design and larger sample is needed to confirm the results of this study.

Conclusion

The Role of LMR in Osteosarcoma Prognosis

In conclusion, this study suggests that high preoperative LMRs are significantly related to a better life expectancy in osteosarcoma patients. LMR can be used as a potential prognostic factor for osteosarcoma, but further research is needed to confirm the results and understand the mechanism underlying the LMR relationship with osteosarcoma prognosis.

Recommendations

Future Research Directions

Further research is needed to confirm the results of this study and to understand the mechanism underlying the LMR relationship with osteosarcoma prognosis. A prospective design and larger sample size are recommended to increase the accuracy of the results.

Clinical Implications

The use of LMR as a prognostic factor must be integrated with clinical assessments and other examinations to determine appropriate treatment strategies and provide optimal treatment for osteosarcoma patients.

References

American Cancer Society. (2022). Osteosarcoma.
Kaplan-Meier Survival Curve. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7341116/
Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC). (2022). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Receiver_operating_characteristic

Appendices

Table 1: Demographic Information of Patients
Table 2: Preoperative LMR Values
Figure 1: Kaplan-Meier Survival Curve
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lymphocytes and Monocytes Ratio (LMR) as a Prognostic Factor for Osteosarcoma

Q: What is osteosarcoma?

A: Osteosarcoma is a type of aggressive malignant bone cancer that affects the bones and joints, causing severe pain and limited mobility.

Q: What is the life expectancy of osteosarcoma patients?

A: According to the American Cancer Society, the life expectancy of osteosarcoma patients is below 20% within 5 years of diagnosis.

Q: What is the role of LMR in osteosarcoma prognosis?

A: LMR is a potential prognostic factor for osteosarcoma. High preoperative LMRs are significantly related to a better life expectancy in osteosarcoma patients.

Q: How is LMR calculated?

A: LMR is calculated by dividing the number of lymphocytes by the number of monocytes.

Q: What is the significance of high LMR in osteosarcoma patients?

A: High LMR can indicate a stronger immune response, which may play a role in inhibiting the development of tumors.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, such as a relatively small sample size and retrospective data collected. Further research with a prospective design and larger sample is needed to confirm the results of this study.

Q: What are the clinical implications of using LMR as a prognostic factor?

A: The use of LMR as a prognostic factor must be integrated with clinical assessments and other examinations to determine appropriate treatment strategies and provide optimal treatment for osteosarcoma patients.

Q: What are the future research directions for LMR in osteosarcoma prognosis?

A: Further research is needed to confirm the results of this study and to understand the mechanism underlying the LMR relationship with osteosarcoma prognosis. A prospective design and larger sample size are recommended to increase the accuracy of the results.

Q: Can LMR be used as a standalone prognostic factor for osteosarcoma?

A: No, LMR should be used in conjunction with other prognostic factors, such as the stage of disease, histological types, and therapy given, to determine the prognosis of osteosarcoma patients.

Q: How can healthcare providers use LMR in clinical practice?

A: Healthcare providers can use LMR as a potential prognostic factor to inform treatment decisions and provide optimal care for osteosarcoma patients.

Q: What are the potential benefits of using LMR in osteosarcoma prognosis?

A: The use of LMR as a prognostic factor may improve patient outcomes by allowing healthcare providers to develop personalized treatment plans and provide optimal care for osteosarcoma patients.

Q: What are the potential challenges of using LMR in osteosarcoma prognosis?

A: The use of LMR as a prognostic factor may be limited by the availability of data and the need for further research to confirm the results of this study.

Q: Can LMR be used in other types of cancer?

A: Further research is needed to determine the role of LMR in other types of cancer.

Q: What are the potential future applications of LMR in cancer research?

A: LMR may have potential applications in cancer research, such as identifying biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, and developing targeted therapies.

Q: How can patients and families use this information to make informed decisions about their care?

A: Patients and families can use this information to discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider and make informed decisions about their care.