The Value of Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) on Newly Diagnosed Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Patients: A Multicenter Retrospective Study of HHLWG Based on Propensity Score Matched Analysis

INTRODUCTION: Immunonutritional status is associated with the survival of DLBCL. This multicenter retrospective study aimed to explore the prognostic value of Prognostic Nutrition Index (PNI) in DLBCL patients by using propensity score matched analysis (PSM). METHODS: A total of 990 DLBCL cases were recruited from 5 centers of Huaihai Lymphoma Working Group (HHLWG). A 1:1 PSM analysis was performed using the nearest-neighbor method, with a caliper size of 0.02. Cox regression analysis was used to examine factors associated with survival. RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis was 62 years and 52.5% were males, with the 3-y overall survival of 65.1%. According to the MaxStat analysis, 44 was the optimal cut-off point of PNI. After PSM analysis, a total of 282 patients in PNI < 44 group could be propensity matched to PNI ≥ 44 patients, creating a group of 564 patients. Multivariable analysis revealed that PNI, age, central nervous system involvement and International Prognostic Index (IPI) were independent prognostic factors for DLBCL. Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that patients with low PNI in Ann Arbor Stage (III/VI), ECOG (<2), IPI (LR+LIR), GCB, and BCL-2 negative groups had a poor prognosis. DISCUSSION: PNI could accurately stratify the prognosis of DLBCL after PSM analysis.