TBA-MLR score: a metabolic-immune prognostic biomarker for postoperative hepatocellular carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To develop and validate a novel prognostic score combining serum total bile acid (TBA) and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) for improved risk stratification in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after radical hepatectomy.

Methods

In 508 HCC patients undergoing radical hepatectomy, we determined optimal TBA and MLR cutoffs for RFS and OS using maximally selected rank statistics. Multivariable Cox regression identified independent predictors, enabling development of a three-tiered TBA-MLR risk score (low/intermediate/high). We internally validated performance via bootstrapping (1000 iterations) and compared it against conventional biomarkers (AFP, BCLC, Child-Pugh) and inflammatory indices (SII, SIRI, NLR, PLR). Subgroup analyses assessed its ability to refine

SUBMITTER: Zhao Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12446308 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature