Radiosensitivity nomogram based on circulating neutrophils in thoracic cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiotherapy Research
• Immunology

Background:

• Radiosensitivity is crucial for effective thoracic cancer treatment.
• Predictive biomarkers for radiosensitivity are needed to personalize therapy.
• Neutrophils and TGF-β1 are implicated in cancer progression and immune response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the predictive capability of neutrophils for radiosensitivity in thoracic cancer.
• To develop a nomogram for predicting radiotherapy sensitivity in lung and esophageal cancers.
• To investigate the prognostic role of neutrophil counts and TGF-β1 levels.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 398 lung and esophageal cancer patients.
• Patients received external-beam radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy.
• Logistic regression models used to identify predictors of radiation sensitivity.

Main Results:

• Lower neutrophil counts and/or TGF-β1 levels correlated with enhanced radiation sensitivity.
• A nomogram was developed to predict radiotherapy sensitivity.
• Neutrophil count and TGF-β1 level emerged as independent prognostic factors.

Conclusions:

• A nomogram integrating circulating neutrophils and TGF-β1 levels can predict radiosensitivity.
• Neutrophils may play a protumorigenic role, potentially via N2 tumor-associated neutrophils.
• This nomogram offers a tool for personalized radiotherapy strategies in thoracic malignancies.