Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and albumin-globulin ratio (AGR): Correlations with outcomes in patients with stage I-III breast cancer.

Authors

null

Min Li Tey

National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

Min Li Tey , Siqin Zhou , Phyu Nitar , Hanis Mariyah Mohd Ishak , Christina Shi-Hui Yang , Grace Kusumawidjaja , Wen Yee Chay , Fuh-Yong Wong , Ru Xin Wong

Organizations

National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

Research Funding

No funding received
None.

Background: The ratios of blood-based inflammatory biomarkers, such as NLR and AGR, have been found to correlate with outcomes in various malignancies. Higher NLR values reflect a pro-inflammatory state and are generally associated with worse outcomes. Conversely, higher AGR values reflect a fitter nutritional status and/or less chronic inflammation, and may hence be associated with better outcomes. We aim to investigate the association between NLR and AGR with survival among stage I-III breast cancer patients treated curatively, and with pathological complete response (pCR) rates among patients who have undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Methods: A retrospective study of stage I-III breast cancer patients treated in a healthcare cluster in Singapore from 2011-2017 was performed. Clinical data was extracted from a prospectively maintained registry alongside full blood count (FBC) and liver function test (LFT) results. FBC and LFT were performed either 1-month pre-chemotherapy or pre-operatively. pCR is defined as stage ypT0/isN0M0 among patients who have undergone NACT. Optimal cut-offs for the NLR and AGR values are determined by maximal Youden’s Index for pCR, DFS and OS. Multivariate logistic regression, with NLR, AGR, age, stage, grade, and subtype, was used, with survival data between groups compared using the Cox regression analysis and log-rank tests. Results: A total of 1,188 patients were included in our study, with 323 patients receiving NACT, and 865 patients undergoing upfront surgery. On multivariable analysis of patients treated with NACT, higher AGR was associated with higher pCR (cutoff >1.3, HR 2.0, p=0.02) and better DFS (>1.6, HR 0.4, p=0.02) while a higher NLR with worse DFS (>4.1, HR 1.8, p=0.03). In upfront surgery patients, higher AGR was associated with better OS (cutoff >1.2, HR 0.5, p=0.00) while a higher NLR predicted for worse OS (>2.4, HR 1.6, p=0.02). Conclusions: Inflammatory markers may be useful in predicting response to NACT and prognosticating survival. Larger studies should be undertaken to explore their value in clinical decision making.

Co-variatesNACT DFSHR (95%CI)P valueUpfront surgery OSHR (95%CI)P value
Age1.02 (1.00-1.04)0.061.07 (1.05-1.09)p<0.001
NLRLow (≤4.09)1Low (≤2.38)1
High (>4.09)1.77 (1.07-2.91)0.026High (>2.38)1.63 (1.09-2.44)0.018
AGRLow (≤1.55)1Low (≤1.17)1
High (>1.55)0.37 (0.16-0.85)0.019High (>1.17)0.54 (0.36-0.82)0.004
StageStage 31Stage 31
Stage 20.45 (0.26-0.78)0.005Stage 20.47 (0.31-0.73)0.001
Stage 1NEStage 10.28 (0.15-0.53)p<0.001
Grade and histological subtypen.sn.s

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Abstract Details

Meeting

2023 ASCO Annual Meeting

Session Type

Publication Only

Session Title

Publication Only: Breast Cancer—Local/Regional/Adjuvant

Track

Breast Cancer

Sub Track

Biologic Correlates

Citation

J Clin Oncol 41, 2023 (suppl 16; abstr e12548)

DOI

10.1200/JCO.2023.41.16_suppl.e12548

Abstract #

e12548

Abstract Disclosures