Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) Score as a Predictor of Prognosis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Clinical Nutrition
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Limited data exist on malnutrition risk and outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with medical therapy.
• Previous studies focused on surgically treated lung cancer patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate malnutrition risk using the CONUT score in advanced NSCLC patients.
• To assess the relationship between CONUT score, treatment response, and survival outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective evaluation of 109 advanced NSCLC patients.
• CONUT score assessment at baseline, after four therapy cycles, and during 4-year follow-up.
• Analysis of treatment response (partial response/stable disease) and survival (OS, PFS).

Main Results:

• 29.4% of NSCLC patients had a CONUT score ≥ 2.
• Higher CONUT scores correlated with brain metastases and poorer treatment response.
• Higher CONUT scores were significantly associated with worse overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Conclusions:

• The CONUT score is a significant determinant of OS and PFS in advanced NSCLC patients.
• Malnutrition risk assessment using the CONUT score may aid in prognosis assessment for these patients.