Investigation of the Relationship Between Delta Inflammatory Markers and Prognosis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PurposeInflammatory markers, such as Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio (LMR), Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), have been shown to hold significant prognostic value in the context of head and neck cancer (HNC). Recently, delta inflammatory markers, the difference between pre and post- treatment inflammatory marker ratios, have been suggested as potentially significant values in predicting cancer prognosis. Our objective was to evaluate the prognostic utility of delta LMR, NLR, and PLR in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). MethodsRetrospective cohort study in a tertiary academic hospital setting. Patients diagnosed with HNSCC in the oral cavity, larynx, and oropharynx treated with curative intent treatment were included. The variables collected were age, sex, BMI, alcohol/tobacco exposure, performance scores, ACE-27, tumor characteristics, adjuvant treatment, ECOG score, and lab values. Overall Survival (OS) and Event-Free Survival (EFS) were chosen as endpoints. OS was defined as time from date of treatment to date of last follow-up or death from any cause, and EFS was defined as the start of treatment to any progression, recurrence, or death from any cause. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on the primary endpoints. ResultsA total of 89 patients were included from 2010 to 2017. In multivariate analysis, EFS was found to be significantly associated with an N stage of 3 (p=0.0005) and delta LMR > -1.48 (p=0.0241). No significant relationships were uncovered with OS in multivariate analysis. ConclusionA higher delta LMR value (>-1.48) was associated with poorer EFS, but was not associated with OS.