Introduction

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) has an asymptomatic course, rapid progression and aggressive growth. It is usually diagnosed in advanced stages, resulting in very limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis. The aim of the study was to observe and evaluate the role and clinical relevance of the neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in CCA.

Material and methods

A total of 104 patients with histologically confirmed CCA hospitalised in the tertiary gastroenterological centre (2018–2023) were retrospectively analysed in three sub- groups: without jaundice (I), with jaundice (II), and with jaundice and fever (III).

Results

A statistical significantly higher level of bilirubin was observed in groups II and III. We observed significantly higher results of C-reactive protein and lower values of albumin in group III compared to groups I and II. A statistical difference of NPAR was observed in the study groups (p = 0.03) – the highest in group III. Similarly, group III had the highest value of NLR, but a significant difference in NLR was not observed in the study groups (p = 0.22). In most patients of group III, palliative care was applied (in 71.9% of patients), and the majority of them (81.3%) died before the end of observation.

Conclusions

The patients with CCA and high NPAR values were in worse general condition and had higher mortality. High NLR values were related with a lower chance of receiving any cancer- specific therapy. The neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio may be more useful than NLR. Neutro- phil percentage-to-albumin ratio and NLR are examples of parameters reflecting advanced stage, and they require special attention and further research in larger groups.