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Fibrinogen-to-Albumin Ratio Calculator

Fibrinogen-to-Albumin Ratio (FAR)

Understanding Fibrinogen-to-Albumin Ratio

The Fibrinogen-to-Albumin Ratio (FAR) is a novel prognostic marker that has shown promise in predicting outcomes for various cancer patients. It combines two important blood proteins: fibrinogen, which is involved in blood clotting, and albumin, which is an indicator of nutritional status and inflammation.

What is the Fibrinogen-to-Albumin Ratio?

FAR is calculated by dividing the fibrinogen level by the albumin level. Based on clinical research, a FAR value of 0.08 has been identified as a significant cutoff point for prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients.

Clinical Significance

FAR has been shown to be statistically significantly associated with several clinical factors:

  • Patient age
  • Sex
  • Tumor length
  • Tumor status (pT status)
  • Lymph node status (pN status)

Research has also shown that FAR levels positively correlate with:

  • C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (r=0.583)
  • Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (r=0.316)

Mechanisms Behind FAR's Prognostic Value

Fibrinogen affects cancer progression through several mechanisms:

  • Acts as a bridge promoting cell-to-cell adhesion
  • Connects malignant cells to vascular endothelium
  • Promotes formation of microemboli with platelets
  • Ties up growth factors promoting cell proliferation and angiogenesis
  • Plays a role in inflammation by promoting proinflammatory cytokines

Applications in Cancer Prognosis

FAR has been studied as a prognostic marker in various cancers, including:

  • Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
  • Gastric cancer
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Other solid tumors

What FAR Indicates

  • Higher FAR values generally suggest:

    • Increased inflammatory state
    • Poorer nutritional status
    • Potentially worse prognosis in cancer patients
  • Lower FAR values typically indicate:

    • Better inflammatory control
    • Better nutritional status
    • Potentially better prognosis

Interpreting Results

While specific cutoff values may vary depending on the condition being studied, generally:

  • Elevated FAR may indicate:

    • Increased systemic inflammation
    • Poor nutritional status
    • Higher risk of adverse outcomes in cancer patients
  • Normal/Lower FAR may suggest:

    • Better controlled inflammation
    • Better nutritional status
    • More favorable prognosis

Factors Affecting FAR

Fibrinogen levels can be affected by

  • Inflammation
  • Infection
  • Liver disease
  • Medications
  • Smoking status

Albumin levels can be affected by

  • Nutritional status
  • Liver function
  • Inflammation
  • Chronic diseases
  • Medications

Clinical Applications

FAR is particularly useful in:

  • Cancer prognosis assessment
  • Monitoring treatment response
  • Risk stratification
  • Treatment planning

Start calculating now to better understand your inflammatory and nutritional status!

References:

  1. Tan Z, Zhang M, Han Q, et al. A novel blood tool of cancer prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: the Fibrinogen/Albumin Ratio. J Cancer. 2017;8(6):1025-1029.