Role of Prognostic Nutritional Index in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Abstract

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) accounts for approximately 30–40% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas and is characterized by aggressive clinical behavior and heterogeneous outcomes. Prognostication traditionally relies on clinical models such as the IPI, but there is growing interest in integrating host-related biomarkers. Nutritional and immune status are critical in determining treatment tolerance and survival outcomes in hematological malignancies. PNI, derived from albumin and lymphocyte counts, offers a combined measure of nutritional reserves and immune competence, which are often compromised in DLBCL patients due to tumor burden, systemic inflammation, and chemotherapy-related toxicity.