We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

SYSMEX-EUROPA

Sysmex Europe designs and produces laboratory and hematology diagnostic solutions, including instruments, reagents, c... read more Featured Products: More products

Download Mobile App




Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio Associated with Cancer Patient Survival

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 01 Mar 2017
There is emerging evidence showing a significant relationship between overall survival (OS) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and weight change during chemotherapy or chemoradiation.

A high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at baseline and at follow-up is associated with shorter survival in cancer patients and may be a surrogate for ongoing inflammation, implicated in cancer cachexia and tumor progression. More...
Prevalence rates of cachexia differ by malignancy type, with approximately 60% of NSCLC patients experiencing it.

Scientists at the Rush University Medical Center reviewed 139 patients with NSCLC who were treated with first-line platinum doublets from June 2011 to August 2012, and none of the patients received prior therapy with an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. There were 127 patients had stage III or stage IV NSCLC, and 12 patients had either stage I or stage II disease and received adjuvant chemotherapy following surgical resection.

All patients had blood drawn in outpatient clinic on the day of evaluation and treatment for advanced NSCLC. None had active infections at the time of these visits. Neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were measured on the Sysmex XN-9000 Hematology Analyzer. Albumin was measured on the Architect Clinical Chemistry Analyzer C16000.

The scientists found that for 139 patients with median age of 68, the median NLR at baselinewas 3.6 (range 0.1898 to 30.910), at six weeks 3.11 (range 0.2703 to 42.11), and at 12 weeks 3.52 (range 0.2147 to 42.93). Higher NLR at baseline, six and 12 weeks were associated with decreased OS (baseline: Hazard ratio (HR) 1.06; 6 weeks: HR 1.0; 12 weeks: HR 1.05.). When the serial measurements of NLR measured longitudinally at baseline, six and 12 weeks are considered as a time-dependent covariate, a Cox Potential Hazard analysis continued to support its strongly significant association with decreased OS. Using a cutoff of NLR greater than 5, there was a significant association between progressive disease and NLR greater than 5 at six weeks and 12 weeks.

The authors concluded that it is likely that NLR is a surrogate for ongoing inflammation, and that inflammation may be a linchpin that links tumor progression with cachexia and overall survival. High baseline and progressive increases in NLRs are associated with progressive disease, inferior OS and weight loss in NSCLC patients. The study was published on February 16, 2017, in the journal BMC Cancer.


New
Gold Member
Quality Control Material
iPLEX Pro Exome QC Panel
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Staining System
RAL DIFF-QUIK
New
Automatic Hematology Analyzer
LABAS F9000
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The RNA-seq based diagnostic test for pediatric leukemia ensures better outcomes for children with this common cancer (Photo courtesy of Qlucore)

RNA-Seq Based Diagnostic Test Enhances Diagnostic Accuracy of Pediatric Leukemia

A new unique test is set to reshape the way Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (BCP-ALL) samples can be analyzed. Qlucore (Lund, Sweden) has launched the first CE-marked RNA-seq based diagnostic test for pediatric... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.