low-LMR Group Research Articles

Clinical Impact of the Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio in Patients With Gastric Cancer who Received Curative Treatment.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical impact of the pretreatment lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) on both short- and long-term oncological outcomes in patients with resectable gastric cancer (GC). The patients were chosen based on our medical records from consecutive cases of curative resection for GC performed at Yokohama City University from 2005 to 2020. The LMR was calculated as the lymphocyte count divided by the monocyte count measured before surgery. The three- and five-year overall survival (OS) rates were 63.1% and 57.4%, respectively, in the low-LMR subgroup and 86.4% and 77.5%, respectively, in the high-LMR subgroup. According to multivariate analysis, the LMR was an independent prognostic factor for OS [hazard ratio (HR)=1.926, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.143-3.245, p=0.014]. In addition, the three- and five-year RFS rates were 54.4% and 50.7%, respectively, in the low-LMR subgroup and 84.0% and 76.0% in the high-LMR subgroup. According to multivariate analysis, the LMR was an independent prognostic factor for OS (HR=2.031, 95%CI=1.266-3.258, p=0.003). When comparing the sites of recurrence between the low-LMR and high-LMR groups, there were significant differences in hematologic recurrence, lymph node recurrence, and peritoneal recurrence. Preoperative LMR might be a promising tool for the treatment and management of GC.

Lymphocyte to Monocyte Ratio Is an Independent Prognostic Factor in Patients With Esophageal Cancer Who Receive Curative Treatment.

This study evaluated the clinical impact of the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) in patients with esophageal cancer who received curative treatment and perioperative adjuvant treatment. The association between LMR and the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with esophageal cancer was also investigated. This study included 181 patients who underwent curative treatment for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2020. The prognosis and clinicopathological parameters of patients with high and low LMR statuses were analyzed. The OS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were significantly lower (40.6% and 33.8%, respectively) in the low-LMR group than in the high-LMR group (67.1% and 58.4%, respectively). The pretreatment LMR was selected as an independent prognostic factor in the multivariate analysis model [hazard ratio (HR)=2.606; 95%CI=1.504-4.516, p<0.001]. Similar results were observed for RFS. Furthermore, LMR was associated with the occurrence of postoperative surgical complications and hematological recurrence. The incidence of anastomotic leakage was 63.3% in the low-LMR group and 27.2% in the high-LMR group (p<0.001). Moreover, the hematologic recurrence rate in the low-LMR group was significantly higher than that in the high-LMR group (46.7% vs. 23.8%, p=0.011). The LMR may be a promising prognostic and predictive factor for esophageal cancer, and may be used to select optimal treatment strategies in the future.

Prognostic significance of preoperative lymphocyte to monocyte ratio in patients with signet ring gastric cancer.

The ratio of lymphocytes to monocytes (LMR) has been shown to be an effective predictor of gastric cancer prognosis. However, its predictive accuracy for signet ring gastric cancer is currently not well understood. To evaluate the prognosis predictive accuracy of preoperative LMR in signet ring gastric cancer. A total of 212 signet ring gastric cancer patients admitted at the Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, from January 2012 to December 2016 were enrolled in the study. The prognosis predictive accuracy of preoperative LMR was explored based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic. Factors that significantly affect the survival of patients were identified using single factor analysis, and those that were independently associated with signet ring gastric cancer were identified through multivariate analysis. The results of the single factor analysis revealed a strong correlation between the survival of signet ring gastric cancer patients and several factors, including tumor invasion (χ2 = 49.726; P < 0.001), lymph node metastasis (χ2 = 30.269; P < 0.001), pTNM stage (χ2 = 49.322; P < 0.001), surgical approach (χ2 = 8.489; P = 0.004), age (t = -2.213; P < 0.028), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (Z = -3.265; P = 0.001), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (Z = -2.196; P = 0.028), LMR (Z = -2.226; P = 0.026), ALB (t = 3.284; P = 0.001), prognostic nutritional index (t = -3.789; P < 0.001) and FIB (Z = -3.065; P = 0.002). Furthermore, the multivariate analysis further demonstrated that age (HR: 0.563, 95%CI: 0.363-0.873), tumor invasion depth (HR: 0.226, 95%CI: 0.098-0.520), pTNM stage (HR: 0.444, 95%CI: 0.255-0.771), preoperative CEA level (HR: 0.597, 95%CI: 0.386-8.790), and preoperative LMR level (HR: 1.776, 95%CI: 1.150-2.741) were independent factors influencing the prognosis of signet ring gastric cancer. In signet ring gastric cancer patients, a low preoperative LMR level predicts poor prognosis. The death risk ratio of the low LMR group compared to the high LMR group is 1.776.

Pre-radiotherapy systemic immune inflammation index associated with overall survival in patients with advanced EGFR mutant non-small cell lung cancer receiving thoracic radiotherapy

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the prognostic potential of the pre-radiotherapy systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) for the survival of advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, which might provide a basis for optimizing the comprehensive treatment scheme.MethodsA total of 111 lung adenocarcinoma patients with EGFR mutations, who received thoracic radiotherapy, were included in this retrospective study. The primary endpoint of the study was based on the overall survival (OS) of patients. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cut-off value of each immune inflammation index. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed for the comparison of OS. The Cox proportional-hazard model was used for the multivariate and univariate regression analyses to determine the correlations of prognostic factors with the disease.ResultsSII was divided into the high SII group (≥ 620.2; 45.95%) and the low SII group (SII < 620.2; 54.05%) based on the optimal cutoff values. The median OS rates were 53.3 and 33.3 months in the low and high SII groups, respectively, showing statistically significant differences ( hazard ratio (HR) = 0.459; 95% CI 0.286–0.736; P < 0.001). The multivariate analysis showed that, after adjusting for the significant covariates, the SII values were independently associated with the improved OS of the patients (adjusted HR = 0.444; 95% CI 0.279–0.709; P = 0.001). The low NLR values were associated with the better OS of patients (HR = 0.509; 95% CI 0.326–0.792; P = 0.005) and vice versa (HR = 0.422; 95% CI 0.213–0.836; P < 0.001). The patients in the low LMR group before radiotherapy exhibited longer OS as compared to those in the high LMR group (HR = 0.497; 95% CI 0.308–0.802; P = 0.001).ConclusionsThis study showed that these inflammatory indices might have an important prognostic potential for advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients with EGFR mutations, receiving thoracic radiotherapy and might provide a basis for the individualized treatment of these patients.

Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio associated with severe post-stenotic aortic dilation in a case\u2013control study

BackgroundCalcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS) represents a serious health threat to elderly patients. Post-stenotic aortic dilation, a common feature in CAVS patients, might progress into aneurysm and even dissection, potential consequences of CAVS, and predicts a poor prognosis. This study sought to investigate the association of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), an inflammatory biomarker, with severe post-stenotic aortic dilation in a case–control study in Chinese population.Materials and methods208 consecutive patients with CAVS were recruited retrospectively in a case–control study in Chinese population, from July 1, 2015 to June 31, 2018. LMR was statistically analyzed using the ROC curve and binary logistic regression analyses for its prognostic value in severe post-stenotic aortic dilation.ResultsLMR was significantly reduced in patients with severe post-stenotic aortic dilation (2.72 vs. 3.53, p = 0.002 < 0.05) compared to patients without severe post-stenotic aortic dilation. There was an inverse correlation observed between the maximal diameter of ascending aorta and LMR in the overall patients (r = − 0.217, p = 0.002 < 0.05). For post-stenotic aortic dilation, the prevalence of high-LMR group was statistically lower than that of low-LMR group (19.7% vs. 43.9%, p < 0.001). The maximal diameter of ascending aorta was significantly reduced in the high-LMR group (4.35 vs. 4.76, p = 0.003 < 0.05) compared to low-LMR group. Additionally, LMR was identified in the multivariate analysis independently associated with severe post-stenotic aortic dilation (AUC 0.743, 95% CI: [0.573–0.964], p = 0.025).ConclusionsThis study provided the evidence of an inverse correlation between severe post-stenotic aortic dilation and LMR. LMR is potentially independently associated with severe post-stenotic aortic dilation.

The Predictive Role of Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio in Acute Kidney Injury in Acute Debakey Type I Aortic Dissection.

Background: The post-operative acute kidney injury (AKI) represents a common complication in the Acute Debakey Type I Aortic Dissection (ADTIAD) and predicts a poorer prognosis. The clinical evidence is scarce supporting the predictive value of the pre-operative lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) in post-operative AKI in ADTIAD.Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 190 consecutive patients with ADTIAD enrolled for surgical treatment between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2018. The diagnosis of AKI followed the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guidelines (KDIGO). Pre-operative LMR and other possible risk factors were analyzed for their prognostic value in the post-operative AKI in ADTIAD.Results: The subjects were assigned to the low-LMR and high-LMR groups according to the median value of pre-operative LMR. For post-operative AKI, the incidence and the severity in the low-LMR group were statistically different from that of the high-LMR group. Besides, the lower LMR was statistically associated with the more extended ICU stay and intubation time and higher incidences of ischemic stroke and in-hospital mortality. Additionally, in the multivariable analysis, the pre-operative LMR was an independent predictor for post-operative AKI in ADTIAD. A predictive model for post-operative AKI in ADTIAD was established incorporating LMR.Conclusions: LMR is an independent prognostic indicator incorporated into the predictive model with other risk factors to predict the post-operative AKI in ADTIAD.

Prognostic value of preoperative lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio in gallbladder carcinoma patients and the establishment of a prognostic nomogram.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential prognostic value of preoperative lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) and establishment of a prognostic nomogram in post surgical patients with gallbladder carcinoma (GBC).Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cut-off value of LMR. The correlation between preoperative LMR and overall survival (OS) was analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. A relevant prognostic nomogram was established.Three hundred fifteen GBC patients were retrospectively enrolled. Based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal cutoff value of LMR was 2.685. Patients were categorized into high-LMR group (n = 143) or low-LMR group (n = 172). Low-LMR value was significantly associated with elderly age, advanced tumor, and the performance of a palliative cholecystectomy. The results of the univariate and multivariate analyses eliminated the degree of tumor differentiation, tumor-node-metastasis stages, surgery types, and LMR as independent predictors of OS. Based on those independent predictors, a predictive nomogram for OS was generated with an accuracy of 0.848.Based on our findings, the predictive nomogram should be included in the routine assessment of GBC patients.

The lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio could predict the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors in patients with advanced cancer.

BackgroundPD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have made remarkable achievements in the field of tumor treatment. However, most patients do not benefit from PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy, and some patients experience adverse reactions. Therefore, finding ideal prognostic indicators to predict the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and selecting populations that can potentially benefit clinically are crucial. The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to investigate the prognostic value of the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) in patients with advanced tumors using PD-1 inhibitors to identify patients who may have a better response to PD-1 inhibitors.MethodsThe clinical data of 121 patients with advanced cancer at the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University were retrospectively analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the best cutoff value of the LMR, and subsequently, the patients were divided into high- and low-LMR groups. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests were used to draw survival curves. Univariate and multivariate analyses used Cox proportional hazard regression models to assess the association between the LMR and overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS).ResultsThe ROC curve showed that the areas under the curve at baseline and 6 weeks after anti-PD-1 antibody treatment LMR (LMR-week 1 and LMR-week 6, respectively) were 0.593 (P=0.164) and 0.713 (P=0.002), respectively. The optimal cutoff value of LMR-week 6 was 4.15, and in a total of 121 patients, 66 and 55 presented with LMR-week 6 <4.15 and ≥4.15, respectively. A low LMR-week 6 was associated with poor OS and PFS (P<0.001). The multivariate analysis showed that the independent factors related to OS were Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status and LMR-week 6, and the independent factors related to PFS were smoking history, ECOG performance status, and LMR-week 6. The objective response rates (ORR) in the high- and low-LMR-week 6 groups were 32.7% and 7.6%, respectively, and were associated with elevated LMR-week 6 (P<0.001).ConclusionsLMR-week 6 is significantly related to the effect of anti-PD-1 antibody treatment; therefore, LMR-week 6 can be used as an early surrogate indicator for stratification in patients who respond better to anti-PD-1 drugs.

Association of inflammatory biomarkers with long-term outcomes after curative surgery for mass-forming intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Inflammatory biomarkers such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are reportedly predictive of the long-term outcomes of several cancers. We evaluated their correlations with the post-surgical long-term outcomes of patients with mass-forming (MF) intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). The subjects of this study were 52 patients who underwent hepatic resection for MF-ICC at our hospital. We measured the cutoff values of NLR, LMR and PLR, using receiver operating characteristic curves, and compared the survival rates of patients with high vs. those with low values. We also evaluated a prognostic scoring system based on significant inflammatory biomarkers. The cutoff values for NLR, LMR, and PLR were 1.93, 4.78, and 98, respectively. The high-NLR and low-LMR groups had significantly worse prognoses than the low-NLR and high-LMR groups. We designed a scoring system using the inflammation score (IS) based on NLR and LMR values, stratifying patients into three groups with scores of 0, 1, or 2. The IS was significantly correlated with overall survival (OS), with 5-year survival rates by the IS score of 100% for 0, 61% for 1, and 32% for 2 (P = 0.011). The IS was found to be an independent predictor of OS in multivariate analysis. Our IS scoring system may predict long-term outcomes after surgery for MF-ICC.

Baseline FDG Uptake And Peripheral Lymphocyte-Monocyte Ratio For Predicting Chemoradiotherapy Response In Patients With Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

PurposeTo explore he predictive values of both the baseline SUVmax of 18F-fluorodeoxy-glucose by the primary tumor in positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and the lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) in peripheral blood in inoperable treated esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).Patients and methodsBetween January 2011 and December 2016, 138 newly diagnosed ESCC patients from our institution were retrospectively recruited. The optimal cut-off values for baseline SUVmax and peripheral LMR were determined by individual receiver operating characteristic curves. The predictive values of baseline SUVmax and peripheral LMR for primary tumor response were examined by chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, as was their combined predictive value.ResultsThe objective response rate (ORR) was significantly different between the high-SUVmax group and the low-SUVmax group (61.9% vs 87.8%; P=0.004), as well as between the high-LMR group and the low-LMR group (80.7% vs 52.0%; P=0.001). Furthermore, the low-SUVmax-high-LMR group achieved the best ORR (100%), which was significantly different from the ORRs of the high-SUVmax-high-LMR group (ORR: 72.1%, P=0.002), the high-SUVmax-low-LMR group (ORR: 45.7%, P=0.001), and the low-SUVmax-low-LMR group (ORR: 45.7%, P=0.001).ConclusionBaseline SUVmax of the primary tumor and the peripheral LMR are independent predictors of CCRT response in the primary tumors of ESCC patients. Patients who have lower FDG uptake accompanied by a higher peripheral LMR are more likely to have a better primary tumor response after CCRT.

The value of preoperative lymphocytes-to-monocytes ratio in predicting lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer.

BackgroundThis study was aimed to evaluate value of preoperative lymphocytes-to-monocytes ratio (LMR) as a predictor for lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer.MethodsPatients with pathologically diagnosed malignant gastric tumor were reviewed retrospectively. Patients’ demographic data, clinical manifestations and LMR were collected. The postoperative pathology data including the tumor size, tumor sites, differentiation degree of tumor, depth of tumor invasion, metastatic lymph nodes, total dissected lymph nodes, distant metastasis, vessel carcinoma embolus, neural invasion, Lauren’s classification, Ki-67 and TNM stage were collected. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to determine the cut-off point of LMR. The association between LMR and the clinicopathologic factors was further analyzed.ResultsA total of 177 subjects were enrolled into the study. LMR =3.79 was used as cut-off point; the patients with LMR ≥3.79 were classified as high-LMR group (123 cases) and the patients with LMR <3.79 as low-LMR group (54 cases). LMR was an independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis.ConclusionsLow preoperative LMR was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer patients, and had predictive value for lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer patients.

Predictive value of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio in the preoperative setting for progression of patients with breast cancer

BackgroundThe lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) has been used as a parameter reflecting systemic inflammation in several tumors, and is reportedly associated with prognosis in cancer patients. In this study, we evaluated the predictive value of LMR for progression and chemosensitivity in breast cancer patients treated with preoperative chemotherapy.MethodsLMR was evaluated in 239 patients with breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide, followed by weekly paclitaxel with or without trastuzumab, and subsequent curative surgery. The correlations between LMR and clinicopathological features, prognosis, and pathological complete response (pCR) rate of NAC were evaluated retrospectively. We also evaluated the predictive value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and compared the predictive values of LMR and NLR.ResultsWe set 6.00 as the cut-off level for LMR based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A total of 119 patients (49.8%) were classified in the high-LMR group and 120 (50.2%) were classified in the low-LMR group. The low-LMR group had significantly worse disease-free survival rate (DFS) in all patients (p = 0.005) and in triple-negative breast cancer patients (p = 0.006). However, there was no significant correlation between LMR and pCR. Multivariate analysis showed that low LMR was an independent risk factor for DFS (p = 0.008, hazard ratio = 2.245). However, there was no significant difference in DFS (p = 0.143, log-rank) between patients in the low- and high-NLR groups.ConclusionsLMR may be a useful prognostic marker in patients with breast cancer.

Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio Is a Predictor of Survival After Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Recent studies revealed that systemic inflammation was correlated with poorer prognosis in various cancers. We investigated the prognostic value of the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) in patients who underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We retrospectively analyzed the records of 216 patients who underwent LDLT for HCC. Patients were divided into high (n = 126) and low (n = 90) LMR groups. Their clinicopathological parameters and survival times were compared. To determine the mechanisms of the change in the LMR, we performed immunohistochemical analyses of CD3 and CD68 expression. A low LMR was significantly associated with a high Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score; a high Child-Pugh score; elevation of alpha-fetoprotein, des-gamma-carboxyprothrombin, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio; larger tumor size; more tumors; and poorer prognosis. A low LMR was associated with poor prognosis and represented an independent prognostic factor, particularly among patients beyond the Milan criteria. The ratio of CD3-positive to CD68-positive cells was significantly lower in the low-LMR group. In conclusion, our results show that the LMR was an independent predictor of survival of patients with HCC beyond the Milan criteria who underwent LDLT. The LMR reflected the immune status of the tumor microenvironment.

Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio can predict mortality in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

AIMTo determine if the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) could be helpful in predicting survival in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma in the VA North Texas Healthcare System from January 2005 to December 2010. The LMR was calculated from peripheral blood cell counts obtained at the time of diagnosis of pancreatic cancer by dividing the absolute lymphocyte count by the absolute monocyte count. A Univariable Cox regression analysis was performed using these data, and hazard ratios (HR) and 95%CI were calculated. The median LMR (2.05) was used to dichotomize patients into high-LMR and low-LMR groups and the log rank test was used to compare survival between the two groups.RESULTSWe identified 97 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (all men, 66% white, 30% African-American). The mean age and weight at diagnosis were 66.0 ± 0.9 (SEM) years and 80.4 ± 1.7 kg respectively. Mean absolute lymphocyte and monocyte values were 1.50 ± 0.07 K/μL and 0.74 ± 0.03 K/μL respectively. Mean, median and range of LMR was 2.36, 2.05 and 0.4-12 respectively. In the univariable Cox regression analysis, we found that an increased LMR was a significant indicator of improved overall survival in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (HR = 0.83; 95%CI: 0.70-0.98; P = 0.027). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed an overall median survival of 128 d (95%CI: 80-162 d). The median survival of patients in the high-LMR (> 2.05) group was significantly greater than the low-LMR group (≤ 2.05) (194 d vs 93 d; P = 0.03), validating a significant survival advantage in patients with a high LMR.CONCLUSIONThe LMR at diagnosis is a significant predictor for survival and can provide useful prognostic information in the management of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Peripheral blood lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio as a prognostic factor in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: a multicenter retrospective study.

The lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), as a surrogate marker of systemic inflammation, has been found to be a novel prognostic indicator in various malignancies. Data from 672 advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by debulking surgery were analyzed, and the prognostic value of LMR were evaluated. The optimal cutoff point of LMR in prediction of survival was defined as 3.45 through receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. Patients with low LMR (≤3.45) at diagnosis tended to have more adverse clinical features, such as higher histological grade, chemotherapy resistance, and residual tumor >1cm after debulking surgery. No significant correlation was found between LMR level and age and histological type. Moreover, after NAC, the complete remission (CR) rate for the low-LMR group was lower than those for the high-LMR group (P<0.05). Patients with low LMR had poorer progression-free survival (PFS; P<0.001) and overall survival (OS; P<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that low LMR was an independent adverse predictor for PFS and OS. Results indicated that low LMR at diagnosis is a novel independent prognostic factor for advanced EOC. However, prospective study is needed to validate this prognostic factor and biological studies should further investigate the mechanisms underlying the correlation between low LMR and poor prognosis in advanced EOC.

Prognostic significance of the preoperative lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio in patients with colorectal cancer.

A correlation between the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) and the survival of patients with hematological malignancies has been reported previously. However, there have been few studies investigating the prognostic significance of LMR in patients with solid tumors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of preoperative LMR in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). A total of 189 patients undergoing potentially curative surgery for CRC were enrolled. The LMR was calculated from preoperative blood samples by dividing absolute lymphocyte count by absolute monocyte count. A cut-off value of 4.8 was set based on the receiver operating characteristic curve; 116 patients were classified as high-LMR, and 73 patients classified as low-LMR. The high-LMR group exhibited significantly better relapse-free survival (P=0.0018) and overall survival (P=0.0127) rates than the low-LMR group. According to the multivariate analysis of survival, preoperative LMR was identified as an independent prognostic factor for relapse-free survival (P=0.041) and overall survival (P=0.031). Therefore, preoperative LMR is a useful prognostic marker in patients with CRC.

Peripheral blood lymphocyte/monocyte ratio following completion of first-line therapy predicts early relapse in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

To investigate whether the post-therapy lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (ALC/AMC ratio or LMR) predicts early relapse in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), we enrolled 125 consecutive patients with DLBCL and followed up from 2005 to 2015 in our hospital. The LMR was measured following completion of first-line therapy. We found that the LMR following completion therapy was a strong predictor of early relapse, which is less than 12months after diagnosis. A low LMR was significantly associated with early relapse in both univariate [odds ratio (OR) = 8.8; P = 0.006] and multivariate analysis (OR = 8.951; P = 0.011). The low-LMR group (<2.9) had poorer outcomes than the high-LMR group (≥2.9), with a lower 2-year progression-free survival rate (78.9 versus 97.1%, P = 0.002) and 2-year OS rate (82.5 versus 98.5%, P = 0.002). This study suggests that a lower LMR following completion of first-line therapy can be used as a marker to predict early relapse in patients with DLBCL.

Impact of preoperative lymphocyte to monocyte ratio on the prognosis of the elderly patients with stage II(-III( gastric cancer

To investigate the impact of preoperative lymphocyte to monocyte ratio on the prognosis of elderly patients with stage II(-III( gastric cancer. Clinicopathological data of 188 patients with stage II(-III( gastric cancer aged≥75 years undergoing radical gastrectomy in our department from January 2007 to December 2011 were analyzed retrospectively. The optimal critical value of preoperative peripheral blood LMR in prediction of overall survival was determined through the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. According to the critical value, patients were divided into the low LMR group and high LMR group. Clinicopathological features and prognosis were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the clinical factors affecting prognosis with Cox proportional hazard model. ROC curve revealed the optimal critical value of preoperative peripheral blood LMR in prediction of overall survival was 4.34, then 71 cases were divided into the low LMR group (<4.34) and 117 cases into high LMR group (≥4.34). The low LMR group had greater tumor size (P=0.015) and higher level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (P=0.018) as compared to the high LMR group, and other clinicopathological parameters were not significantly different (all P>0.05). Median follow-up time of all the 188 patients was 21.8 (1.3 to 92.9) months. The 3-year survival rate of the low and high LMR groups was 36.8% and 45.1% respectively with significant difference (P=0.001). Univariate analysis revealed that the postoperative overall survival was associated with the preoperative LMR (P<0.001), absolute count of lymphocyte (P=0.002), absolute count of monocyte (P=0.016), CEA level (P=0.011), CA199 level (P=0.003), lymph node metastasis (P<0.001), tumor maximal size (P<0.001), TNM stage (P<0.001), postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (P=0.004). Multivariate analysis revealed that the TNM stage III( (HR:2.708, 95%CI:1.356 to 5.411, P=0.005), tumor maximal size≥50 mm (HR: 1.737, 95%CI: 1.114 to 2.709, P=0.015), without postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (HR: 0.651, 95%CI: 0.440 to 0.961, P=0.031), and preoperative peripheral blood LMR<4.34 (HR: 0.600, 95%CI: 0.376 to 0.958, P=0.032) were independent risk factors of prognosis. Preoperative peripheral blood LMR level possesses good predictive value of prognosis for the elderly patients with stage II(-III( gastric cancer. Low LMR is associated with poor outcomes.

Identification of prognostic value of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio in patients with advanced HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma.

206 Background: Inflammatory microenvironment plays an important role in the progression of HCC. Peripheral blood LMR, as a novel inflammatory biomarker combining an estimate of host immune homeostasis and tumor microenvironment, has been found to be a predictor for clinical outcomes in various malignancies. There have been no reports regarding the prognostic value of LMR in advanced HCC until now. We want to investigate the prognostic value of LMR in patients with advanced HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: From September 2008 to June 2010, a total of 174 patients with HBV-associated advanced HCC without fever or signs of infections were analyzed. Clinicopathological parameters, including LMR, were evaluated to identify predictors of overall survival. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed, using the Cox proportional hazards model. The best cutoff was determined with time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that LMR was an independent prognostic factor in overall survival in patients with advanced HCC(P &lt; 0.01 ). The best cutoff point of LMR was 4.52. All patients were dichotomized into either a low LMR group( ≤ 4.52) or a high LMR group( &gt; 4.52). Overall survival(OS) of high LMR group was significantly longer than that of low LMR group(P &lt; 0.01 ). High LMR group patients had significantly higher 6-month OS rate(50% vs 23%, P &lt; 0.01) than that of low LMR group patients. Higher LMR level was significantly correlated with the presence of metastasis and larger tumor size(P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: LMR is an independent prognostic factor of advanced HCC patients. Higher Baseline LMR levels indicates better prognosis.

Peripheral blood lymphocyte to monocyte ratio identifies high-risk adult patients with sporadic Burkitt lymphoma.

Adult sporadic Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a rare subtype of lymphoma. In this retrospective study, we investigated the prognostic value of pretreatment lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) in a cohort of 62 patients. Using LMR <2.6 as the optimal cutoff point, 24 patients (38.7%) had LMR <2.6. The complete response rates in high-LMR group and low-LMR group were 90.9 and 65.0%, respectively (P = 0.019). At a median follow-up time of 41months, the 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate and overall survival (OS) rates were 76 and 80%, respectively. In a multivariate Cox regression model, it was found that the presence of bone marrow infiltration and low LMR were independently adverse prognostic factors for both PFS and OS. In the whole group, the addition of rituximab to treatment did not benefit patients significantly in PFS and OS. In subgroup analysis, in patients with high LMR, addition of rituximab can significantly improve survival outcomes (P = 0.046). In conclusion, we firstly found that low LMR (<2.60) was an independently adverse prognostic factor in adult patients with sporadic BL. Intensive chemotherapy could cure the majority of patients in our study, and the pretreatment LMR might predict the value of rituximab in this age population.