Radiosensitivity nomogram based on circulating neutrophils in thoracic cancer

AIM: To evaluate the prediction ability of neutrophils and develop a nomogram on radiosensitivity in thoracic cancer patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 398 lung and esophageal cancers patients who received external-beam radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy as first-line therapy. RESULTS: Logistic regression model showed that patients with low levels of neutrophil counts and/or TGF-β1 exhibited better radiation sensitivity. Furthermore, a nomogram was created to predict radiotherapy sensitivity. The combination of neutrophil count and TGF-β1 level was an independent prognostic factor for lung and esophageal cancers patients. CONCLUSION: The study developed a nomogram based on the levels of circulating neutrophils and TGF-β1. The prediction value in radiosensitivity and protumorigenic effect of neutrophils might owe to N2 tumor-associated neutrophils.