In a nutshell
This study looked at the association between the lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) in patients' blood and their lung cancer outcome.
Some background
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Despite improvements in treatment outcomes are still quite poor. Therefore early detection and treatment is essential.
Inflammation plays a key role in the spread and progression of cancer. The lymphocyte-monocyte ratio is a marker for the level of inflammation in the body. Lymphocytes and monocytes are types of white blood cells (the cells that fight disease). There are generally more lymphocytes in the body than monocytes. The LMR is the difference in number of lymphocytes and monocytes. A higher LMR has been associated with better outcomes in certain types of cancer.
Methods & findings
The current study examined whether the LMR could predict outcome in lung cancer patients. 1453 patients were included in this study. All patients underwent surgical removal of their lung tumors. The LMR was measured for each patient just prior to surgery.
A high LMR was associated with a 50% increased chance of longer overall survival (time from treatment until death from any cause). A high LMR was associated with a 30% increased chance of longer progression-free survival (time from treatment until the disease progresses). LMR was predictive in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer and less so in those with small cell cancer.
The bottom line
This study concluded that the lymphocyte-monocyte ratio is a useful predictor of outcome in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
Published By :
PLOS ONE
Date :
Oct 02, 2014
