Prognostic significance of myopenia and nutritional status in nasopharyngeal cancer: introducing the TEMA index
International Journal of Radiation Research, cilt.24, sa.3, ss.655-662, 2026 (SCI-Expanded)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 24 Sayı: 3
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.66224/ijrr.24.3.10
- Dergi Adı: International Journal of Radiation Research
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.655-662
- Akdeniz Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
This study investigates whether temporal muscle thickness (TMT) has prognostic significance in nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). Additionally, it introduces a novel composite index, TEMA, which integrates TMT and serum albumin levels to enhance prognostic stratification. Materials and Methods: The study retrospectively encompassed 61 NPC patients receiving definitive therapy during the period January 2014–October 2024. TMT was extracted from computed tomography (CT) scans, and serum albumin (g/dL) was measured from blood specimens collected immediately before definitive treatment commenced. The novel TEMA index was defined as: TEMA = TMT × serum albumin. Results: Patients were aged 18–88 years (median, 49). The follow-up duration varied from 4 to 129 months with a median of 45 months. In univariate analyses, albumin significantly predicted progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.02), while overall survival (OS) showed significant associations with albumin (p = 0.006), TMT (p = 0.016), and TEMA index (p = 0.017). Conclusion: In patients with NPC treated with definitive intent, TMT and serum albumin showed significant associations with OS. A composite index that integrates these biomarkers (e.g., TEMA) may facilitate treatment decision-making and risk/prognostic stratification.