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Increased platelet distribution width predicts poor prognosis in melanoma patients
Na Li1, Zhiyong Diao2, Xiaoyi Huang3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China.
Scientific Reports
|June 9, 2017
Summary
High platelet distribution width (PDW) is linked to shorter survival in melanoma patients. This easily measured blood marker may predict melanoma prognosis and guide targeted therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hematology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Platelets play a role in cancer progression and metastasis.
- The prognostic value of platelet indices, like platelet distribution width (PDW), in melanoma is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the predictive significance of platelet indices in melanoma patients.
- To determine if platelet distribution width (PDW) is a prognostic factor for melanoma survival.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 220 melanoma patients.
- Analysis of the relationship between PDW and clinicopathological characteristics.
- Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis to evaluate PDW's prognostic impact.
Main Results:
- Elevated PDW was observed in 28.6% of patients and associated with tumor subtype.
- Patients with increased PDW exhibited significantly shorter survival times.
- Elevated PDW was identified as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (HR=2.480, P=0.002).
Conclusions:
- Platelet distribution width (PDW) is an easily accessible biomarker from routine blood tests.
- Increased PDW is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in melanoma.
- PDW may serve as a potential parameter for targeted therapy in melanoma treatment.
