C‐reactive protein is an independent prognostic marker in patients with tongue carcinoma ‐ A retrospective study

Objectives Reliable prognostic markers are lacking for tongue carcinoma. C‐reactive protein (CRP) and a ratio from neutrophils/lymphocytes (NLR) are biomarkers, associated with prognosis in solid cancers. Aim of this work was to investigate the role of CRP and NLR in prognosis of patients with tongue carcinoma. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting We retrospectively analysed data of patients treated for tongue carcinoma at our institution. Levels of CRP, Neutrophils and Lymphocytes were measured pretherapeutic. Participants 197 patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue between 2002 and 2015. Main outcome measures Overall survival, disease‐free survival. Results Elevated CRP was significantly associated with shorter overall survival in our cohort in uni‐ and multivariate analysis. NLR was not associated with prognosis. Conclusion In the present study we could confirm the role of CRP as an independent prognostic marker in patients with tongue carcinoma. Incorporating this marker in prognostication could represent a valuable and moreover inexpensive tool for improved decisions making concerning therapy in the future.