The elevated preoperative platelet to lymphocyte ratio is an Independent prognostic marker in breast cancer patients

• Published in: European journal of cancer (1990) Vol. 50; p. S213
• Main Authors: Krenn-Pilko, S, Langsenlehner, U, Thurner, E M, Stojakovic, T, Pichler, M, Gerger, A, Kapp, K S, Langsenlehner, T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.03.2014
• ISSN: 0959-8049; 1879-0852

Background: The elevation of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), an easily applicable blood test based on platelet and lymphocyte counts, has been associated with poor prognosis in patients with different types of cancer. The present study investigated the prognostic significance of the preoperative PLR in a large cohort of breast cancer patients. Material and Methods: Data from 793 consecutive non-metastatic female breast cancer patients, treated between 1999 and 2004, were evaluated retrospectively. The optimal cut-off values for the PLR were calculated using receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. Cancer-specific survival (CSS), overall survival (OS), as well as distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier curves. To evaluate the independent prognostic significance of PLR, multivariable Cox regression models were applied for all three end points. Results: Univariable analysis revealed a significant association between the elevated preoperative PLR and CSS [hazard ratio (HR) 2.75, 95% CI 1.57-4.83, p < 0.001] that remained statistically significant in multivariable analysis (HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.03-4.02, p = 0.042). An increased PLR was also significantly associated with decreased OS in univariable (HR 2.45, 95% CI 1.43-4.20, p = 0.001) and in multivariable analysis (HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.01-3.67, p = 0.047). Furthermore, univariable analysis showed a significant impact of increased PLR on DMFS (HR 2.02, 95% CI 1.18-3.44, p = 0.010). Conclusion: In this study, we identified the preoperative PLR as an independent prognostic marker for survival in breast cancer patients. Independent validation of our findings is needed.