The Utility of CONUT Score in Indolent Lymphoma Patients

Abstract

Background and Aim: Similar to the uncertainties in the treatment criteria for indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL), the prognostic  criteria have not been fully clarified. The Controlled Nutritional Status (CONUT) score is not only used as a predictor of malnutrition but  also indicates prognosis in many chronic or malignant diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the predictive and prognostic  significance of the CONUT score in patients with iNHL.

Patients and Methods: A retrospective evaluation was made of 109 patients with  iNHL. The CONUT scores of the patients were compared between those with an indication for treatment and those followed without  treatment. The same analysis was performed between patients who developed relapse after treatment. Survival analysis was performed  on all patients, and associations between survival and the CONUT score were examined.

Results: The median CONUT score was found to  be higher in those who had treatment indications compared to those who did not (2 vs 1; P = 0.014). In the regression model, a CONUT  absolute value above 5 was found as an independent risk factor predicting relapse. In the whole study population, a CONUT absolute  value >2 predicted the risk of mortality with 53.9% sensitivity and 68.7% specificity (AUC ± SE = 0.639 ± 0.07; +PV = 35%; -PV = 82.6%; P =  0.034).

Conclusion: CONUT score is a predictive and prognostic factor for patients with iNHL. The development of simple, low-budget  prognostic and predictive biomarkers is critical not only for determining the course of the disease but also for follow-up and treatment  management.