Preoperative FAN score predicts survival outcomes after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate whether the preoperative FAN score—composed of the fibrosis‐4 (Fib‐4) index, albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) score and neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR)—predicts recurrence‐free, cancer‐specific and overall survival after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Patients and Methods We retrospectively analysed 1121 patients who underwent radical cystectomy at 13 institutions between April 2010 and March 2024. Associations between the FAN score and recurrence‐free survival (RFS), cancer‐specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Prognostic performance was assessed in an independent cohort of 296 patients from three institutions. Results FAN score distribution was 0 ( n = 600, 53.5%), 1 ( n = 409, 36.5%) and ≥2 ( n = 112, 10.0%). Patients with a FAN score ≥2 had significantly worse RFS (median: not reached vs 12.3 months; p < 0.0001), CSS (not reached vs 22.8 months; p < 0.0001) and OS (112.5 vs 16.1 months; p < 0.0001) than those with a FAN score ≤1. On multivariable analysis, a FAN score ≥2 was an independent predictor of poorer RFS (HR 2.12, 95% CI 1.55–2.91; p < 0.0001), CSS (HR 2.80, 95% CI 2.00–3.92; p < 0.0001) and OS (HR 2.70, 95% CI 2.03–3.59; p < 0.0001). These associations were consistently observed in an independent cohort of 296 patients. Conclusions The FAN score is an independent prognostic marker of adverse outcomes after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer and may help stratify patients for perioperative management and follow‐up.