Prognostic role of Naples Prognostic Score in lung cancer: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE: The prognostic value of the Naples prognostic score in lung cancer remains controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of relevant published studies to determine the prognostic value of the Naples prognostic score in patients with lung cancer. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of relevant studies in PubMed, Ovid, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. Data and characteristics of each study were extracted and hazard ratios (HRs) at 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated to estimate effects. A meta-regression analysis was used to assess the prognostic value of the Naples Prognostic Score in patients with lung cancer. RESULTS: A total of 1691 patients from six studies were included in this meta-analysis, with a combined HR of 3.357 (95% CI: 1.964–5.738, P < 0.001); the results suggest that a high Naples Prognostic Score predicts a shorter overall survival (OS) for patients. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that a high Naples Prognostic Score may be a predictor of poor prognosis in lung cancer patients. Further large cohort studies are needed to confirm these findings.