Inflammatory indicators as a prognostic factor of clinical response in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC)

Abstract

ObjectivesBreast cancer is a prevalent and fatal cancer worldwide. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a treatment option used to reduce tumor size in patients with locally advanced breast cancer. The neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte–monocyte ratio (LMR), and platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are inflammatory markers that have been studied as prognostic factors in breast cancer. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the role of NLR, LMR, and PLR in the clinical response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in women with locally advanced breast cancer. Materials and methodsWe used a cross-sectional research design for this study with the aim of observing the relation between NLR, LMR, and PLR and the clinical response of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The study was conducted in Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital. We analyzed the medical records of 84 patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy between 2016 and 2021. ResultsOur study found that majority of the subjects receives CAF combination of NAC with inoperable breast cancer. Most of the subjects have luminal B type of breast cancer and no clinical response to chemotherapy regimen. Surgery has significant association with clinical response in patients receiving NAC (P = <.001). There are no significant correlation between NLR, LMR, and PLR with clinical response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. However, we did observe a significant association between NLR and 1-year mortality rate. ConclusionIn conclusion, significant association between NLR and 1-year morality rate suggest that NLR may serve as a useful prognostic factor in breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy.