Prognostic value of the Naples prognostic score in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after hepatectomy

Abstract Background The Naples Prognostic Score (NPS), integrating inflammatory and nutritional biomarkers, has been reported to be associated with the prognosis of various malignancies, but there is no report on intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). This study aimed to explore the prognostic value of NPS in patients with ICC. Methods Patients with ICC after hepatectomy were collected, and divided into three groups. The prognosis factors were determined by Cox regression analysis. Predictive efficacy was evaluated by the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results A total of 174 patients were included (Group 1: 33 (19.0%) patients; Group 2: 83 (47.7%) patients; and Group 3: 58 (33.3%) patients). The baseline characteristics showed the higher the NPS, the higher the proportion of patients with cirrhosis and Child-Pugh B, and more advanced tumors. The Kaplan-Meier curves reflect higher NPS were associated with poor survival. Multivariable analysis showed NPS was an independent risk factor of overall survival (NPS group 2 vs. 1: HR = 1.671, 95% CI: 1.022–3.027, p = 0.009; NPS group 3 vs. 1: HR = 2.208, 95% CI: 1.259–4.780, p = 0.007) and recurrence-free survival (NPS group 2 vs. 1: HR = 1.506, 95% CI: 1.184–3.498, p = 0.010; NPS group 3 vs. 1: HR = 2.141, 95% CI: 2.519–4.087, P = 0.001). The time ROC indicated NPS was superior to other models in predicting prognosis. Conclusions NPS is a simple and effective tool for predicting the long-term survival of patients with ICC after hepatectomy. Patients with high NPS require close follow-up, and improving NPS may prolong the survival time.