Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Survival in Metastatic Bladder Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Değerli Ezgi, Arslan Çağatay, Selçukbiricik Fatih, Ölmez Ömer Fatih, Erdem Dilek, Hamdard Jamshid, Yılmaz Mesut, Çolak Rumeysa, Kapar Caner, Erman Mustafa, Kuş Fatih, Tural Deniz
Primary Institution: Department of Medical Oncology, Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
Hypothesis
The study investigates the relationship between baseline and changes in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and overall survival in metastatic bladder cancer patients treated with immunotherapy.
Conclusion
A low baseline NLR and a decrease in NLR after two cycles of immunotherapy are associated with better survival outcomes in metastatic bladder cancer patients.
Supporting Evidence
- A low baseline NLR was associated with better overall survival than a high baseline NLR.
- Patients with a decreased NLR after two cycles of immunotherapy had significantly longer overall survival than those with an increased NLR.
- The overall median survival was 15 months, with 10 months for the NLR-increased group and not reached for the NLR-decreased group.
Takeaway
Doctors found that patients with lower levels of certain blood cells called neutrophils and lymphocytes before and after treatment lived longer.
Methodology
A retrospective analysis of 56 metastatic bladder cancer patients treated with second-line immunotherapy after platinum-based chemotherapy.
Potential Biases
Potential biases due to the retrospective nature and lack of data on concomitant medications.
Limitations
The study is retrospective, includes a limited number of patients, and has a short follow-up period.
Participant Demographics
Median age of 66.6 years, male-to-female ratio of 2.3:1, with 89.3% having a history of smoking.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.005 for baseline NLR; p = 0.003 for NLR changes after treatment.
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 7.95–12.75
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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