Prognostic Value of The Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, and Platelet Count for Platinum-Sensitive Recurrent Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

OBJECTIVE: To study the prognostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and platelet count in patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (PS-ROC).

METHODS: This was a retrospective study on a database of platinum-sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer patients who received treatment at HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center (MSMC) between January 2010 and December 2020.

The patients’ demographic data, surgical factors, pathological factors, laboratory findings, and response to treatment were reviewed from the patients’ medical records.

Survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan–Meier survival estimate and Cox regression model.

RESULTS: In total, 56 patients were recruited in this study.

The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 33 (95%CI 23–43) and 11 (95%CI 8–16) months, respectively.

Survival analysis showed a high PLR was associated with decreased OS compared with low value but no significant difference in PFS.

High NLR was associated with poor OS and PFS.

There was no association between the platelet count and survival outcome (OS and PFS).

In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, the NLR, PLR, and platelet count were not significant prognostic factors for survival outcome.

However, low hemoglobin and a decreased disease-free interval were significantly associated with poor PFS.

A white blood cell count (WBC) ≥ 8,000 cells/mm(3) was a poor prognostic factor for overall survival (Adjusted HR 7.64; 95%CI: 2.21–26.42; p-value = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The NLR, PLR, and platelet count were not associated with both the OS or PFS in patients with PS-ROC.

However, the WBC level is an easy, readily available, and economical way to predict survival outcomes in PS-ROC patients and may help physicians to tailor therapeutic interventions in the future.