Prognostic role of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with non-metastatic and metastatic prostate cancer:A meta-analysis and systematic review

Objective: To analyze data available in the literature regarding a possible prognostic value of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients stratified in non-metastatic and metastatic diseases.Methods: A literature search process was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. In our meta-analysis, the pooled event rate estimated and the pooled hazard ratio were calculated using a random effect model.Results: Forty-two articles were selected for our analysis. The pooled risk difference for non-organ confined PCa between high and low NLR cases was 0.06 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.03-0.15) and between high and low PLR cases increased to 0.30 (95% CI: 0.16-0.43). In non-metastatic PCa cases, the pooled hazard ratio for overall mortality between high and low NLR was 1.33 (95% CI: 0.78-1.88) and between high and low PLR was 1.47 (95% CI: 0.91-2.03), whereas in metastatic PCa cases, between high and low NLR was 1.79 (95% CI: 1.44-2.13) and between high and low PLR was 1.05 (95% CI: 0.87-1.24).Conclusion: The prognostic values of NLR and PLR in terms of PCa characteristics and responses after treatment show a high level of heterogeneity of results among studies. These two ratios can represent the inflammatory and immunity status of the patient related to several conditions. A higher predictive value is related to a high NLR in terms of risk for overall mortality in metastatic PCa cases under systemic treatments.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio:Markers predicting immune-checkpoint inhibitor efficacy and immune-related adverse events

We conducted a comprehensive review of existing prediction models pertaining to the efficacy of immune-checkpoint inhibitor(ICI)and the occurrence of immune-related adverse events(irAEs).The predictive potential of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR)in determining ICI effectiveness has been extensively investigated,while limited research has been conducted on predicting irAEs.Furthermore,the combined model incor-porating NLR and PLR,either with each other or in conjunction with additional markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen,exhibits superior predictive capabilities compared to individual markers alone.NLR and PLR are promising markers for clinical applications.Forthcoming models ought to incorporate established efficacious models and newly identified ones,thereby constituting a multifactor composite model.Furthermore,efforts should be made to explore effective clinical application approaches that enhance the predictive accuracy and efficiency.

Prognostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in gastric cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND In recent studies,accumulating evidence has revealed a strong association between the inflammatory response and the prognosis of many tumors.There is a certain correlation of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)with the prognosis in gastric cancer(GC)patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC).However,the existing research results have remained controversial.AIM To explore the relationship between NLR ratio and prognosis of GC patients receiving NAC.METHODS A thorough systematic search was performed in databases such as PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,and Cochrane Library,the search is available until February 29,2024,and studies exploring the interaction of NLR with clinical outcomes were collected.Relevant studies meeting pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria were carefully chosen.The outcomes included progression-free survival(PFS),relapse-free survival,disease-free survival(DFS),and overall survival(OS).The hazard ratio(HR)and its corresponding 95%confidence interval(CI)were utilized for estimation.RESULTS Our analysis encompassed 852 patients and incorporated data from 12 cohort studies.The comprehensive analysis revealed a significant association of high NLR with reduced OS(HR=1.76;95%CI:1.22-2.54,P=0.003),relapsefree survival(HR=3.73;95%CI:1.74-7.96,P=0.0007),and PFS(HR=2.32;95%CI:1.42-3.81,P=0.0008)in patients.However,this correlation in disease-free survival was not significant.NLR demonstrated its crucial role in effectively predicting the OS of GC patients undergoing NAC at different detection times,ages,regions,and NLR thresholds.CONCLUSION In GC patients receiving NAC,an elevated NLR is strongly associated with reduced OS and PFS.NLR has become an effective biomarker for patient prognosis evaluation,providing valuable insights for the treatment strategies of NAC in GC patients.

Clinical study of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-tolymphocyte ratio in hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis and acute biliary pancreatitis with persistent organ failure

BACKGROUND The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR)are novel inflammatory indicators that can be used to predict the severity and prognosis of various diseases.We categorize acute pancreatitis by etiology into acute biliary pancreatitis(ABP)and hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis(HTGP).AIM To investigate the clinical significance of NLR and PLR in assessing persistent organ failure(POF)in HTGP and ABP.METHODS A total of 1450 patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis(AP)for the first time at Shanxi Bethune Hospital between January 2012 and January 2023 were enrolled.The patients were categorized into two groups according to the etiology of AP:ABP in 530 patients and HTGP in 241 patients.We collected and compared the clinical data of the patients,including NLR,PLR,and AP prognostic scoring systems,within 48 h of hospital admission.RESULTS The NLR(9.1 vs 6.9,P<0.001)and PLR(203.1 vs 160.5,P<0.001)were significantly higher in the ABP group than in the HTGP group.In the HTGP group,both NLR and PLR were significantly increased in patients with severe AP and those with a SOFA score≥3.Likewise,in the ABP group,NLR and PLR were significantly elevated in patients with severe AP,modified computed tomography severity index score≥4,Japanese Severity Score≥3,and modified Marshall score≥2.Moreover,NLR and PLR showed predictive value for the development of POF in both the ABP and HTGP groups.CONCLUSION NLR and PLR vary between ABP and HTGP,are strongly associated with AP prognostic scoring systems,and have predictive potential for the occurrence of POF in both ABP and HTGP.

Prognostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in end-stage liver disease:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)is commonly utilized as a prognostic indicator in end-stage liver disease(ESLD),encompassing conditions like liver failure and decompensated cirrhosis.Nevertheless,some studies have contested the prognostic value of NLR in ESLD.AIM To investigate the ability of NLR to predict ESLD.METHODS Databases,such as Embase,PubMed,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Weipu,and Wanfang,were comprehensively searched to identify studies published before October 2022 assessing the prognostic ability of NLR to predict mortality in patients with ESLD.Effect sizes were calculated using comprehensive meta-analysis software and SATAT 15.1.RESULTS A total of thirty studies involving patients with end-stage liver disease(ESLD)were included in the evaluation.Among the pooled results of eight studies,it was observed that the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio(NLR)was significantly higher in non-survivors compared to survivors(random-effects model:standardized mean difference=1.02,95%confidence interval=0.67-1.37).Additionally,twenty-seven studies examined the associations between NLR and mortality in ESLD patients,reporting either hazard ratios(HR)or odds ratios(OR).The combined findings indicated a link between NLR and ESLD mortality(randomeffects model;univariate HR=1.07,95%CI=1.05-1.09;multivariate HR=1.07,95%CI=1.07-1.09;univariate OR=1.29,95%CI=1.18-1.39;multivariate OR=1.29,95%CI=1.09-1.49).Furthermore,subgroup and meta-regression analyses revealed regional variations in the impact of NLR on ESLD mortality,with Asian studies demonstrating a more pronounced effect.CONCLUSION Increased NLR in patients with ESLD is associated with a higher risk of mortality,particularly in Asian patients.NLR is a useful prognostic biomarker in patients with ESLD.

Preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts symptomatic anastomotic leakage in elderly colon cancer patients: Multicenter propensity score-matched analysis

BACKGROUND The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),a composite inflammatory biomarker,is associated with the prognosis in patients with colorectal tumors.However,whether the NLR can be used as a predictor of symptomatic postoperative ana-stomotic leakage(AL)in elderly patients with colon cancer is unclear.AIM To assess the role of the NLR in predicting the occurrence of symptomatic AL after surgery in elderly patients with colon cancer.METHODS Data from elderly colon cancer patients who underwent elective radical colectomy with anastomosis at three centers between 2018 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the best predictive cutoff value for the NLR.Twenty-two covariates were matched using a 1:1 propensity score matching method,and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine risk factors for the development of postoperative AL.RESULTS Of the 577 patients included,36(6.2%)had symptomatic AL.The optimal cutoff value of the NLR for predicting AL was 2.66.After propensity score matching,the incidence of AL was significantly greater in the≥2.66 NLR subgroup than in the<2.66 NLR subgroup(11.5%vs 2.5%;P=0.012).Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed statistically significant correlations between blood transfusion intraoperatively and within 2 d postoper-atively,preoperative albumin concentration,preoperative prognostic nutritional index,and preoperative NLR and AL occurrence(P<0.05);multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that an NLR≥2.66[odds ratio(OR)=5.51;95%confidence interval(CI):1.50-20.26;P=0.010]and blood transfusion intraoperatively and within 2 d postoperatively(OR=2.52;95%CI:0.88-7.25;P=0.049)were risk factors for the occurrence of symptomatic AL.CONCLUSION A preoperative NLR≥2.66 and blood transfusion intraoperatively and within 2 d postoperatively are associated with a higher incidence of postoperative symptomatic AL in elderly patients with colon cancer.The preoperative NLR has predictive value for postoperative symptomatic AL after elective surgery in elderly patients with colon cancer.

Predictive value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in in-hospital mortality in sepsis patients:A cross-sectional study

Objective:To explore the predictive value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)in in-hospital mortality in sepsis patients.Methods:A prospective observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 patients with septicemia.The data about the patient’s demography,medical history,general examination including pulse rate,blood pressure,etc,use of vasopressor support,need for renal replacement therapy,mechanical ventilation,outcome,and lab parameters including total lymphocyte count with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were recorded.And parameters between survivals and non-survivals were compared.Results:Out of 100 patients,80%were from rural backgrounds.Most patients were 50 to 59 years old.26 Patients were dead.The patients in the nonsurvivor group were older and more had a history of diabetes mellitus when compared with the survivor group.The non-survivor group had a higher NLR,APACHE栻,and SOFA score.Conclusions:NLR is a readily available parameter and can be used as a good prognostic indicator for mortality in sepsis patients.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio associated with renal function in type 2 diabetic patients

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a leading risk factor for the development and progression of chronic kidney disease(CKD).However,an accurate and con-venient marker for early detection and appropriate management of CKD in in-dividuals with T2DM is limited.Recent studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)and CKD.None-theless,the predictive value of NLR for renal damage in type 2 diabetic patients remains understudied.This study included 1040 adults aged 65 or older with T2DM from Shanghai's Community Health Service Center.The total number of neutrophils and lym-phocytes was detected,and NLR levels were calculated.CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate≤60 mL/min/1.73 m².Participants were di-vided into four groups based on NLR levels.The clinical data and biochemical characteristics were compared among groups.A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between NLR levels and CKD.RESULTS Significant differences were found in terms of sex,serum creatinine,blood urea nitrogen,total cholesterol,and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol among patients with T2DM in different NLR groups(P<0.0007).T2DM patients in the highest NLR quartile had a higher prevalence of CKD(P for trend=0.0011).Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that a high NLR was an independent risk factor for CKD in T2DM patients even after adjustment for important clinical and pathological parameters(P=0.0001,odds ratio=1.41,95%confidence intervals:1.18-1.68).CONCLUSION An elevated NLR in patients with T2DM is associated with higher prevalence of CKD,suggesting that it could be a marker for the detection and evaluation of diabetic kidney disease.

Construction of a predictive model for acute liver failure after hepatectomy based on neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and albuminbilirubin score

BACKGROUND Acute liver failure(ALF)is a common cause of postoperative death in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and is a serious threat to patient safety.The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)is a common inflammatory indicator that is associated with the prognosis of various diseases,and the albumin-bilirubin score(ALBI)is used to evaluate liver function in liver cancer patients.Therefore,this study aimed to construct a predictive model for postoperative ALF in HCC tumor integrity resection(R0)based on the NLR and ALBI,providing a basis for clinicians to choose appropriate treatment plans.AIM To construct an ALF prediction model after R0 surgery for HCC based on NLR and ALBI.METHODS In total,194 patients with HCC who visited The First People’s Hospital of Lianyungang to receive R0 between May 2018 and May 2023 were enrolled and divided into the ALF and non-ALF groups.We compared differences in the NLR and ALBI between the two groups.The risk factors of ALF after R0 surgery for HCC were screened in the univariate analysis.Independent risk factors were analyzed by multifactorial logistic regression.We then constructed a prediction model of ALF after R0 surgery for HCC.A receiver operating characteristic curve,calibration curve,and decision curve analysis(DCA)were used to evaluate the value of the prediction model.RESULTS Among 194 patients with HCC who met the standard inclusion criteria,46 cases of ALF occurred after R0(23.71%).There were significant differences in the NLR and ALBI between the two groups(P<0.05).The univariate analysis showed that alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)and blood loss volume(BLV)were significantly higher in the ALF group compared with the non-ALF group(P<0.05).The multifactorial analysis showed that NLR,ALBI,AFP,and BLV were independent risk factors for ALF after R0 surgery in HCC.The predictive efficacy of NLR,ALBI,AFP,and BLV in predicting the occurrence of ALT after R0 surgery for HCC was average[area under the curve(AUC)NLR=0.767,AUCALBI=0.755,AUCAFP=0.599,AUCBLV=0.718].The prediction model for ALF after R0 surgery for HCC based on NLR and ALBI had a better predictive efficacy(AUC=0.916).The calibration curve and actual curve were in good agreement.DCA showed a high net gain and that the model was safer compared to the curve in the extreme case over a wide range of thresholds.CONCLUSION The prediction model based on NLR and ALBI can effectively predict the risk of developing ALF after HCC R0 surgery,providing a basis for clinical prevention of developing ALF after HCC R0 surgery.

Diagnostic and prognostic role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR) in sepsis

Objective: To evaluate neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR) as diagnostic and prognostic role in sepsis. Methods: It was a prospective, observational study, conducted in Intensive Care Unit of Mianyang Central Hospital , from August 2017 to August 2018. A total of 37 cases of newly diagnosed cases of sepsis were included in the study and 20 healthy adults were taken as controls. According to the mortality within 30 d,patients with sepsis were divided into survival group (n=15) and death group (n=22) . The white blood cell (WBC), neutrophils count (NEU), lymphocyte count (LYM), and NLR in peripheral blood were recorded at 1, 3,5,7 days after admission for patients . Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors for predicting the outcome, and receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) was plotted for evaluating the value of these factors on the 30-day prognosis. Results: NLR on day 1 (NLR1) of sepsis was signifcantly higher as compared to controls (P<0.001), with far higher diagnostic efficiency (AUC=0.959) than WBC (AUC=0.788) and equivalent to NEU% (AUC=0.942);WBC and NLR on day 7 (NLR7) is independent risk factors for 30-day mortality of sepsis patients and is helpful to predict the prognosis of sepsis. Conclusion: NLR can be a convenient and useful diagnostic and prognostic marker in sepsis and is of great clinical applicative value for primary hospitals without ability to detect other costly biomarkers and for emergency department.

The preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts the outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis after hepatectomy

Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the prognostic value of the preoperative peripheral neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio （NLR） in patients with hepatocellular cancer （HCC） and cirrhosis after hepa- tectomy. Methods This retrospective study included 321 patients with HCC who underwent resection. The NLR was calculated using the neutrophil and lymphocyte counts in routine preoperative blood tests. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to select the most appropriate NLR cutoff value. The preoperative NLR, patient demographics, and clinical and pathological data, including disease-free survival （DFS） and overall survival （OS）, were analyzed. Results The NLR was correlated with alpha-fetoprotein levels （X2 = 5.876, P = 0.015）, tumor size （X2 = 32.046, P 〈 0.001）, portal vein tumor thrombus （PVTT; x2 = 4.930, P = 0.026）, tumor encapsulation （x2 = 7.243, P = 0.007）, and recurrence （x2 = 7.717, P = 0.005）. Multivariate analyses illustrated that the number of tumors, PVTT, tumor size, and the NLR were independent factors for predicting DFS and OS. in patients with HCC and cirrhosis, but not among those without cirrhosis, a larger NLR predicted poorer postoperative DFS and OS （both P 〈 0.001）. Conclusion As a simple, effective independent predictor for patients with HCC, the preoperative NLR plays an important role in accurately predicting the postoperative outcomes of patients with HCC and cir- rhosis, but not those of patients without cirrhosis.

NLR与MSI对急性NSTEMI短期预后判断价值

目的本研究旨在探讨校正休克指数(MSI)和中性粒细胞/淋巴细胞比值(NLR)在判断急性非ST段抬高型心肌梗死(NSTEMI)患者短期内可能出现不良预后的预测能力。方法研究组选择2020年3月到2021年9月期间,首次就诊急诊科明确诊断为急性非ST段抬高型心肌梗死的276例患者。通过快速急诊绿道监测血压与心率,并于急诊科10 min内抽取血常规、床旁心脏彩超等相关化验检查,依据监测及化验结果,研究小组计算了校正休克指数(MSI)和中性粒细胞/淋巴细胞比值(NLR),然后根据统计结果将患者分为2组:NLR≥5.0组(n=75)与NLR﹤5.0组(n=201);(2)MSI≥1.2组(n=57)与MSI<1.2组(n=219)。比较2组一般资料情况,发生不良心血管事件的比例,采用受试者ROC曲线下面积来评估NLR值和MSI值对NSTEMI院内不良心血管事件的预测能力。结果连续入选的276例NSTEMI患者中,发生不良心血管事件52例,占18.8%,心源性休克患者15例,占5.4%,恶性心律失常患者24例,占8.7%,死亡13例,占4.7%。NLR≥5.0与MSI≥1.2值组的心功能、收缩压(SBP)、舒张压(DBP)及心率(HR)分别与NLR<5.0与MSI<1.2组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);NLR≥5.0与MSI≥1.2组MACE发生率分别高于NLR<5.0组与MSI<1.2组(P<0.05)。此外,NLR和MSI的ROC曲线下面积分别为0.734和0.703,提示NLR和MSI均具有评价急性非ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者短期不良心血管事件发生能力。结论MSI与NLR是评估NSTEMI短期不良预后的两个简单的重要的易获得指标。

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio compared to N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide as a prognostic marker of adverse events in elderly patients with chronic heart failure

Background The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte （N/L） ratio has been associated with poor prognosis in patients with heart failure, but it has not been compared with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） in elderly patients with chronic heart failure （CHF）. We sought to make this comparison. Methods A total of 1355 elderly patients with CHF were analyzed. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the variables associated with atrial fibrillation （AF）. Cox regression analysis was used to assess the multivariable rela- tionship between the N/L ratio, NT-proBNP level, and subsequent major cardiovascular events （MCE）. Results In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the N/L ratio was demonstrated as a risk factor for AF in elderly patients with CHF [odds ratio （OR）： 1.079, 95% confi- dence interval （CI）： 1.027-1.134, P = 0.003]. The median follow-up period was 18 months. In a multivariable model using tertiles of both variables, the highest tertile of the N/L ratio was significantly associated with MCE [hazard ratio （HR）： 1.407, 95% CI： 1.098-1.802, P = 0.007] compared with the lowest tertile. Similarly, the highest NT-proBNP tertile was also significantly associated with MCE （HR： 1.461, 95% CI： 1.104-1.934, P- 0.008）. Conclusions In elderly patients with CHF, the N/L ratio is one of the important risk factors for AF and it is an inexpensive and readily available marker with similar independent prognostic power to NT-proBNP. The risk of MCE increases 1.407-fold when the N/L ratio is elevated to the highest tertile.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in ocular diseases: a systematic review

AIM: To summarize the results of studies investigating neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR) and to identify the role of NLR in ocular diseases. METHODS: With the aim of identifying the studies related to NLR, a search was conducted on http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed by utilizing the key words "neutrophil lymphocyte ratio, ocular diseases, and eye diseases" up to February 2018. All of the original articles were assessed according to date of publications, countries, clinics and topics. Studies about ocular inflammatory diseases were evaluated according to their qualifications, review methods and results. RESULTS: A total of 4473 publications, including original research articles and reviews were screened. The number of publications was shown a regular logarithmic increase over the years. The majority of studies were performed by clinics in Turkey and many of these publications were performed by oncology and cardiology clinics. A total of 75 publications were identified to be about ocular diseases. CONCLUSION: Elevated NLR as a cheap, reproducible, and readily available marker could be used as a diagnostic and/or prognostic marker in ocular diseases.

Prognostic significance of combined fibrinogen concentration and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer

Objective:Cancer-associated inflammation and coagulation cascades play vital roles in cancer progression and survival.In this study,we investigated the significance of the combination of preoperative fibrinogen and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)in predicting the survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods:We retrospectively enrolled 589 patients with NSCLC who underwent surgery.The univariate and multivariate Cox survival analyses were used to evaluate the prognostic indicators,including the combination of fibrinogen and NLR(F-NLR).The cut-off values for fibrinogen,NLR,and clinical laboratory variables were defined by the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.According to the ROC curve,the recommended cut-off values for fibrinogen and the NLR were 3.48 g/L and 2.30,respectively.Patients with both a high NLR(≥2.30)and hyperfibrinogenemia(≥3.48 g/L)were given a score of 2,whereas those with one or neither were scored as 1 or 0,respectively.Results:Our results showed that F-NLR was an independent prognostic indicator for disease-free survival(DFS)[hazard ratio(HR),1.466;95%confidence interval(CI),1.243–1.730;P<0.001]and overall survival(OS)(HR,1.512;95%CI,1.283–1.783;P<0.001).The five-year OS rates were 66.1%,53.5%,and 33.3%for the F-NLR=0,F-NLR=1,and F-NLR=2,respectively(P<0.001).Correspondingly,their five-year DFS rates were 62.2%,50.3%,and 30.4%,respectively(P<0.001).In the subgroup analyses of the pathological stages,the F-NLR level was significantly correlated with DFS and OS in stage I and IIIA cancers.Conclusions:Preoperative F-NLR score can be used as a valuable prognostic marker for patients with resectable early-stage NSCLC.

Clinical implications of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and MDSC kinetics in gastric cancer patients treated with ramucirumab plus paclitaxel

Objective: We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR) and myeloidderived suppressor cells(MDSCs) in gastric cancer patients treated with second-line ramucirumab plus paclitaxel.Methods: A total of 116 patients with advanced or metastatic gastric cancer who receive ramucirumab plus paclitaxel were prospectively enrolled. Fresh blood samples were collected before and after treatment, and flow cytometry was performed to assess the proportions of monocytic(m MDSCs) and granulocytic MDSCs(g MDSCs).Results: Median age was 58 years and 71(61.2%) patients were male. A baseline NLR≥2.94 was associated with significantly poorer progression-free survival(PFS) and overall survival(OS) vs. an NLR<2.94(P=0.011 and P=0.002, respectively). In multivariate analysis, an NLR≥2.94 was independently associated with poorer PFS[hazard ratio(HR)=1.58;95% confidence interval(95% CI): 1.01-2.49, P=0.046] and OS(HR=1.77;95% CI:1.04-3.04, P=0.036). While m MDSC counts did not significantly change following two cycles of therapy(P=0.530),g MDSC counts decreased significantly after two treatment cycles(P=0.025) but tended to increase in patients with progressive disease after two treatment cycles(P=0.098). A progressive increase in g MDSC counts(≥44%) was associated with a significantly shorter PFS and OS vs. a g MDSC count increase <44%(P=0.001 and P=0.003,respectively).Conclusions: The baseline NLR may help guide clinical decisions during ramucirumab plus paclitaxel therapy for gastric cancer. Our g MDSC kinetics data warrant further clinical validation and mechanistic investigation.

Prognostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio for hepatocellular carcinoma patients with portal/hepatic vein tumor thrombosis

AIM To investigate whether the preoperative neutrophil-tolymphocyte ratio(NLR) could predict the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients with portal/hepatic vein tumor thrombosis(PVTT/HVTT) after hepatectomy.METHODS The study population included 81 HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy and were diagnosed with PVTT/HVTT based on pathological examination. The demographics, laboratory analyses, and histopathology data were analyzed.RESULTS Overall survival(OS) and disease-free survival(DFS) were determined in the patients with a high(> 2.9) and low(≤ 2.9) NLR. The median OS and DFS duration in the high NLR group were significantly shorter than those in the low NLR group(OS: 6.2 mo vs 15.7 mo, respectively, P = 0.007; DFS: 2.2 mo vs 3.7 mo, respectively, P = 0.039). An NLR > 2.9 was identified as an independent predictor of a poor prognosis of OS(P = 0.034, HR = 1.866; 95%CI: 1.048-3.322) in uni-and multivariate analyses. Moreover, there was a significantly positive correlation between the NLR and the Child-Pugh score(r = 0.276, P = 0.015) and the maximum diameter of the tumor(r = 0.435, P < 0.001). Additionally, the NLR could enhance the prognostic predictive power of the CLIP score for DFS in these patients. CONCLUSION The preoperative NLR is a prognostic predictor after hepatectomy for HCC patients with PVTT/HVTT. NLR > 2.9 indicates poorer OS and DFS.

Comments to ＂Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio compared to N-terminal pro- brain natriuretic peptide as a prognostic marker of adverse events in elderly patients with chronic heart failure＂

We have read the article which entitled ＂Neutrophil-to- lymphocyte ratio compared to N-terminal pro-brain natri- uretic peptide as a prognostic marker of adverse events in elderly patients with chronic heart failure＂ published in Journal of Geriatric Cardiology with great interest, However, we have some comments regarding this study.

Value of Preoperative Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Predicting Prognosis of Surgically Resectable Urinary Cancers: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective Accumulated evidence has suggested that there is a close association between preoperative neutrophilto-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)and prognosis of various malignant tumors.However,the relationship between NLR and surgically resectable urinary cancers remains contradictory.Therefore,we performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to explore whether preoperative NLR could predict the prognosis of surgically resectable urinary cancers.Methods After searching the Embase,PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane databases and screening the articles,we finally included 25 studies involving 15950 patients.Hazard ratios(HRs)and their 95%confidence intervals(CIs)were extracted to assess the association between preoperative NLR and the overall survival(OS)and cancerspecific survival(CSS)of surgically resectable urinary cancers.Results The pooled results revealed that an elevated preoperative NLR could predict a worse OS(HR=1.40,95%CI:1.26–1.54,P<0.001)and CSS(HR=1.43,95%CI:1.27–1.59,P<0.001)in urinary cancers.In addition,our analyses also suggested that high preoperative NLR was associated with worse prognosis in renal cell carcinoma(OS:HR=2.06,95%CI:1.54–2.76,P=0.131;CSS:HR=2.46,95%CI:1.46–4.16,P=0.178),upper tract urothelial carcinoma(OS:HR=1.91,95%CI:1.50–2.42,P=0.616;CSS:HR=1.84,95%CI:1.41–2.39,P=0.001),bladder cancer(OS:HR=1.09,95%CI:1.02–1.17,P<0.001;CSS:HR=1.05,95%CI:1.01–1.09,P=0.163)and prostate cancer(OS:HR=1.69,95%CI:1.19–2.41,P=0.714).Regardless of the participants’race or the cutoff value of the preoperative NLR,the results remained valid.Conclusion Elevated preoperative NLR could predict a worse prognosis in surgically resectable urinary cancers,namely,renal cell carcinoma,bladder cancer,prostate cancer and upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Postoperative Elevations of Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and Platelet-to- lymphocyte Ratios Predict Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR)are found to increase in patients who develop postoperative complications(PCs).The aim of the present study was to explore the association of the perioperative changes of NLR(ANLR)and PLR(OPLR)with PCs in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Clinical data of 509 patients,who were diagnosed with NSCLC and underwent thoracoscopic radical resection between January 1,2014 and July 31,2016 at the Department of Thoracic Surgery,West China Hospital,were reviewed.Patients were divided into PC and non-PC groups,and clinical characteristics including ANLR and APLR were compared between them.The optimal cut-off values of ONLR and APLR were determined by receiver operating characteristics(ROC)curves and patients were assigned to high ANLR/APLR and low ONLR/OPLR groups in terms of the cut-off values.Clinicopathologic characteristics and the incidence of different PCs were compared between the dichotomized groups.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the independent risk factors for PCs.The results showed that the ANLR and APLR in the PC group were significantly higher than those in the non-PC group(P<0.001 for both).The optimal cutoff values of ANLR and APLR were 6.6 and 49,respectively.Patients with ANLR>6.6 or 0PLR>49 were more likely to experience postoperative pulmonary complications(PPCs)(P<0.001 for both).Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that smoking[odds ratio(OR):2.450,95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.084--5.535,P=0.031)],tumor size(OR:1.225,95%CI:1.047-1.433,P=0.011),ANLR>6.6(OR:2.453,95%CI:1.2244.914,P-0.011)and APLR>49(OR:2.231,95%CI:1.182-4.212,P-0.013)were predictive of PPCs.In conclusion,the ONLR and APLR may act as novel predictors for PPCs in NSCLC patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical lung resection,and patients with ONLR>6.6 or APLR>49 should be treated more actively to prevent or reduce PPCs.