Abstract:
Aim: To investigate the predictive value of platelet to lymphocyte and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios for hepatocellular carcinoma
outcomes
Material and Methods: 37 hepatocellular carcinoma patients were retrospectively collected. All of the hepatocellular carcinoma
patients were treated with conventional methods; transarterial chemoembolization, radiofrequency ablation or both. The patient
and tumor characteristics, platelet to lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio were recorded. The association between
platelet to lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and tumor free survival rates, recurence rates, need of repeated
conventional therapy were analyzed.
Results: The mean MELD (model for end stage liver disease) score of 37 hepatocellular carcinoma patients was 10.75±4.484
(mean age 59.59±17.23 years). High platelet to lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio were found to be associated
with hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence (p<0.01). However platelet to lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio were
irrevelant with tumor size and number (p>0.05). Platelet to lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios were significantly
high in patients who had repated transarterial chemoembolisation, radiofrequency ablation or both (p<0.01). The disease free
survival of these patients who need repeated procedures was 6.5 months and it was significantly lower than the other patients
(p<0.05)
Conclusion: Platelet to lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio were found to be predictive for aggressive cancer
behavior, so they can be used as markers for hepatocellular carcinoma
