Inflammation and Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of the Prognostic Significance of the Systemic Immune–Inflammation Index (SII) and the Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI)

Abstract

The overall prognosis for colorectal cancer (CRC) remains challenging as the survival time varies widely, even in patients with the same stage of disease. Recent studies suggest prognostic relevance of the novel markers of systemic inflammation, the systemic immune–inflammation index (SII), and the systemic inflammation response index (SIRI). We conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to assess the prognostic significance of the SII and the SIRI in CRC. We searched the relevant literature for observational studies, and random effects models were employed to conduct a statistical analysis using the metaanalysisonline.com platform. Pooled effect sizes were reported with hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Data from 29 studies published between 2016 and 2024, comprising 10,091 participants, were included in our meta-analysis on SII. CRC patients with high SII levels had worse disease outcomes, which were associated with poor OS (HR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.4–2.19) and poor PFS/DFS/RFS (HR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.18–1.33). This increased risk of worse OS was present irrespective of the treatment strategy, sample size (<220 and ≥220), and cutoff used to define high and low SII (<550 and ≥550) groups. Based on data from five studies comprising 2362 participants, we found a strong association between the high SIRI and worse OS (HR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.6–4.38) and DFS/RFS (HR: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.42–2.93). According to our results, both the SII and SIRI hold great promise as prognostic markers in CRC. Further validations are needed for their age- and stage-specific utility in the clinical routine.