Abstract:

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of baseline and posttreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) receiving chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Material and methods: Ninety-two HNSCC patients who received adjuvant or primary radiotherapy (RT) between September 2014 and December 2019 were assessed retrospectively. Surgery was performed on 24 (26.1%) patients. Eight patients (8.7%) received induction chemotherapy (CT), 63 patients (68.5%) concomitant CT and 17 (19.5%) patients received adjuvant CT. Results: The median follow-up time was 19 months (range 1-61 months). The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 16 and 13 months, respectively. High baseline NLR level was found to be significantly associated with advanced T stage. Survival was significantly poor if baseline NLR cut-off was above 2.7. No significant correlation was revealed between post-RT NLR, baseline PLR and post-RT PLR and OS. Advanced T stage, presence of metastasis and high post-RT PLR were found to be significant factors that decrease PFS. Conclusion: High baseline NLR level in HNSCC receiving CRT/RT was strongly associated with advanced T stage and poor prognosis. However, well designed, larger studies with longer follow-up are warranted.

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