[Prognostic importance of albumin in oncology]

Diminished serum albumin level can be observed in inflammatory processes. Serum albumin level also reduces - irrespective of the presence of malnutrition - in locally advanced or metastatic malignancies. Low serum albumin level may have an influence also on the results of anticancer therapy (e.g., drug pharmacokinetics, adverse drug reactions). Extensive data of the literature and empirical experience prove the better prognosis of patients involved in nutritional therapy. Based on the most relevent data of the literature, the authors summarize the studies which have revealed the close correlation between the baseline serum albumin level and the prognosis of malignant diseases. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(3): 96-106.