Integrated inflammation-immune-matrix remodeling biomarkers for diagnosis and stage stratification of primary laryngeal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Aryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is characterized by complex interactions among systemic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Circulating biomarkers reflecting these biological processes may provide valuable tools for disease detection and stratification; however, their integrated diagnostic value in primary LSCC remains insufficiently defined. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study including 50 treatment-naïve LSCC patients and 50 healthy controls. Levels of YKL-40, soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in serum were quantified using ELISA. Systemic inflammation was evaluated via the CRP/albumin ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves assessed the diagnostic performance of individual and combined biomarkers, and associations with tumor stage were analyzed according to the AJCC 8th edition.