We aimed to establish a laboratory prognostic index (LPI) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients based on hematologic and biochemical parameters and to analyze the predictive value of LPI on NSCLC survival. The study retrospectively reviewed 462 patients with advanced NSCLC diagnosed between 2000 and 2010 in a single institution. We developed an LPI that included serum levels of white blood cells (WBC), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), albumin, calcium, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), based on the results of a Cox regression analysis. The patients were classified into 3 LPI groups as follows: LPI 0: normal; LPI 1: one abnormal laboratory finding; and LPI 2: at least 2 abnormal laboratory findings. The median follow up period was 44 months; the median overall survival (OS) and median progression-free survival (PFS) were 11 and 6 months, respectively. A multivariate analysis revealed that the following could be used as independent prognostic factors: an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score (ECOG PS) ≥2, a high LDH level, serum albumin 10.5 g/dL, number of metastases>2, presence of liver metastases, malignant pleural effusion, or receiving chemotherapy ≥4 cycles. The 1-year OS rates according to LPI 0, LPI 1, and LPI 2 were 54%, 34%, and 17% (p<0.001), respectively and 6-month PFS rates were 44%, 27%, and 15% (p<0.001), respectively. The LPI was a significant predictor for OS (Hazard Ratio (HR): 1.41; 1.05–1.88, p<0.001) and PFS (HR: 1.48; 1.14–1.93, p<0.001). An LPI is an inexpensive, easily accessible and independent prognostic index for advanced NSCLC and may be helpful in making individualized treatment plans and predicting survival rates when combined with clinical parameters.

Sarcopenic obesity (SO), the coexistence of low muscle mass and excess fat, is increasingly recognized in older adults. Its definition and clinical implications remain debated. This study evaluated SO using the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism–European Association for the Study of Obesity (ESPEN–EASO) criteria and examined its associations with geriatric syndromes and metabolic risk factors. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of 364 hospitalized patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent bioelectrical impedance analysis. Geriatric assessments included Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental ADL (IADL), Mini Nutritional Assessment–Short Form (MNA-SF), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), and handgrip strength. Mortality data were collected. Associations with SO were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. SO prevalence was 24.5%. Patients with SO had worse ADL, IADL, MNA-SF scores, and lower handgrip strength (all p < 0.01). Independent predictors of SO included older age (OR = 1.064, p = 0.002), female gender (OR = 3.574, p < 0.001), hypertension (OR = 2.094, p = 0.007), and diabetes mellitus (OR = 3.342, p < 0.001). The SO group had higher mortality (15.1% vs. 9.3%, p = 0.03). A geriatric model including frailty, MNA-SF (OR = 0.472, 95% CI: 0.306–0.727), and handgrip strength (OR = 0.741, 95% CI: 0.641–0.856) showed better model fit (Nagelkerke R² = 0.474) than the metabolic model (R² = 0.223). SO is a distinct clinical condition linked to frailty, functional decline, and mortality. Geriatric factors show stronger associations than metabolic indicators, underscoring the importance of comprehensive geriatric screening in older adults. Not applicable.