Preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells in biliary tract cancer

Abstract

Background/Aim: This study evaluated the prognostic significance of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and whether preoperative NLR was associated with CD8+ TILs in biliary tract cancers (BTCs). Patients and Methods: A total of 154 patients with BTCs who underwent surgery were enrolled in this study. We obtained neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, and calculated NLR from preoperative peripheral blood samples. CD8+ TILs were identified by immunohistochemical staining. Results: The overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of patients with high NLR were shorter than those with low NLR. The OS and RFS of patients with high CD8+ TILs were longer than those with low CD8+ TILs. Preoperative NLR and CD8+ TILs were negatively correlated. Conclusion: NLR and CD8+ TILs were associated with OS and RFS in BTCs. NLR can predict CD8+ TILs infiltrating the cancer microenvironment.