Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that PNI can predict the prognosis of gastric cancer (GC) patients. However, few studies have focused on the auxiliary role of miRNA in predicting the prognosis of GC.
Objective: This research seeks to clarify the role of the combined use of miR-132-3p and PNI in predicting the prognosis of GC patients.
Methods: The qRT-PCR was used to assess the expression of miR-132-3p in tumor and adjacent normal tissues with GC patients. The predictive value of miR-132-3p and PNI for postoperative prognosis, and the relationships between miR-132-3p, PNI, and preoperative clinical characteristics, were assessed using ROC, χ², Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and Cox regression analysis.
Results: miR-132-3p was found to be downregulated in GC tumor tissues and significantly positively correlated with PNI. Both miR-132-3p and PNI were significantly associated with TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. Postoperative GC patients with low miR-132-3p expression and low PNI had lower survival rates, and both were independent risk factors for poor prognosis. The combination of miR-132-3p and PNI demonstrated better sensitivity and specificity in predicting postoperative prognosis than either indicator alone.
Conclusion: The combination of miR-132-3p and PNI can effectively improve the predictive value of postoperative prognosis in GC patients.