Prognostic Significance of Low Body Mass Index and Betel-Quid Use in the 5-Year Survival Rates of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients

AbstractAim: This study aimed to examine the relationship between clinicopathological features, varied malnutrition criteria, and survival in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients.Methods: Six malnutrition criteria (body mass index (BMI) 3.5, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) > 17, prognostic nutrition index (PNI) < 40, and blood total lymphocyte count (TLC) < 1,600 cells/mm3) were measured in 205 ESCC patients at the time of diagnosis. Malnutrition status and clinicopathological features were tested for prognostic effects on the 5-year survival rate.Results: Malnutrition rates vary according to nutrition assessment tools, ranging from 21.5% based on BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 to 67.8% based on PNI < 40. These rates are associated with increased inflammation, but they showed no difference among various tumor stages. After adjustment of demographic variables and comorbid status, advanced tumor stage, low BMI at diagnos...