GNRI sustainability during one cycle of first-line chemotherapy as a prognostic indicator in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the prognostic value of a sustained high geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) during first-line chemotherapy for patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC).

METHODS: Between January 2018 and February 2022, 123 patients received platinum-based chemotherapy at Nagoya City University Hospital and affiliated institutions. Of these, 118 eligible patients that showed an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS) between 0 and 2 were retrospectively examined. Based on body mass index and serum albumin levels, GNRI was calculated immediately before and after the first primary chemotherapy cycle. Patients were divided into two groups based on GNRI: GNRI sustained  92 in sustainable (n=63), and GNRI < 92 in unsustainable (n=55) groups, respectively. Clinical outcomes were compared.

RESULTS: No significant differences were noted between the two groups including for age, gender, cycle of first-line treatment, and type of series of sequential treatments after failure of first-line therapy. Median overall survival from the start of first-line chemotherapy was 30.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 20.9-NA) for sustainable and 12.6 months (95% CI: 9.0-21.2) for unsustainable groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified ECOG-PS:2 and fatigue, an adverse event, as independent predictors of unsustainable GNRI transition (95% CI: 1.29-90.6, odds ratio [OR]: 10.8; 95% CI: 1.06-26.9, OR: 5.34, respectively). Conclusion/Conclusion: Sustaining a high level of GNRI was an important prognostic indicator in patients with mUC receiving first-line chemotherapy. Appropriate intervention for controlling adverse events, including fatigue, may enhance physical strength during cancer treatment.