The Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Is an Independent Prognostic Factor for Patients With Esophageal Cancer Who Receive Curative Treatment

Abstract

Background: Perioperative systemic inflammation affects the long-term oncological outcomes of patients with malignancies. We evaluated the clinical impact of the preoperative platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in patients with resectable esophageal cancer who received curative treatment. Patients and Methods: This study included 168 patients who underwent curative surgery followed by perioperative adjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2018. The risk factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were identified. Results: Based on the 3- and 5-year OS rates, we set the cutoff value of the PLR at 150 in the present study. Among 168 patients, 78 patients (46.4%) were categorized into the PLR-low group and 90 patients (53.6%) were categorized into the PLR-high group. The 3- and 5-year OS rates were 64.4% and 53.8%, respectively, in the PLR-low group, and 46.9% and 38.1% in the PLR-high group; the difference in OS was significant (p=0.046). PLR was therefore selected for the final multivariate analysis model (hazard ratio=1.553, 95% confidence interval=1.026-2.350, p=0.037). When the perioperative clinical course was compared between the two groups, the incidence of grade 2 or more anastomotic leakage after surgery was significantly lower in the PLR-low group at 26.9% compared to 43.3% in the PLR-high group (p=0.027). Conclusion: The PLR had a clinical impact on the long-term oncological outcomes of patients with esophageal cancer treated with curative intent. Therefore, the PLR might be a promising prognostic factor for patients with esophageal cancer.