Prognostic Utility of the Albumin-to-Alkaline Phosphatase Ratio in Head and Neck Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Author:
Yun-Ting WANG
1
;
Adarsh KUDVA
;
Yen-Ting LU
;
Liang-Tseng KUO
;
Chia-Hsuan LAI
;
Yuan-Hsiung TSAI
;
Chun-Ta LIAO
;
Ku-Hao FANG
;
Chung-Jan KANG
;
Ethan I. HUANG
;
Cheng-Ming HSU
;
Geng-He CHANG
;
Ming-Shao TSAI
;
Yao-Te TSAI
Author Information
- Publication Type:Review
- From:Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2026;19(1):45-54
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:. The prognostic value of the pretreatment albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) in head and neck cancer (HNC) remains uncertain. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the predictive role of AAPR for survival outcomes in patients with HNC.
Methods:. A comprehensive search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to July 30, 2024. We included studies on AAPR and survival outcomes in HNC patients.
Results:. Eight studies comprising 1,737 HNC patients were analyzed using random-effects models. Lower AAPR values were significantly correlated with worse overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 2.08), progression-free survival (HR, 2.00), and disease-free survival (HR, 2.18). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these results, with no significant publication bias detected.
Conclusion:. Our findings suggest that pretreatment AAPR could serve as a valuable and cost-effective prognostic indicator in HNC, potentially aiding clinicians in risk stratification and treatment decision-making. However, additional validation studies are warranted to confirm its clinical applicability.
