Serum monocyte fraction of white blood cells is increased in patients with high Gleason score prostate cancer

Abstract

Systemic inflammation and immune responses are reported to be associated with progressive prostate cancer. In this study, we explored which among the fractions of white blood cell (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) level were associated with high Gleason score prostate cancer. Prostate needle biopsy was performed in 966 men with suspicion of prostate cancer. We assessed age, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume, WBC count, fractions of WBCs (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils, and eosinophils), and CRP level before biopsy for associations with biopsy findings. Among all men, 553 (57.2%) were positive for prostate cancer including 421 with high Gleason score cancer (Gleason score ≥7). Age, PSA, PSA density (PSAD), serum monocyte fraction of WBC, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and CRP were significantly associated with high Gleason score cancer (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that age, PSA, PSAD, and serum monocyte fraction were significantly associated with high Gleason score prostate cancer (p < 0.01). In 571 patients with PSA of < 10 ng/ml, age, PSA, PSAD, serum WBC count, neutrophil fraction, monocyte fraction, and MLR were significantly associated with high Gleason score prostate cancer (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that age, PSAD, and serum monocyte fraction were significantly associated with high Gleason score prostate cancer (p < 0.01). The monocyte fraction of WBCs was increased in patients with high Gleason score prostate cancer, suggesting an interaction of monocytes with the progression of prostate cancer.