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Updated: Feb 6, 2026

A Model for Perineural Invasion in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: January 5, 2017
Platelet count and platelet-lymphocyte ratio as prognostic markers for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma:
Yukinori Takenaka1, Ryohei Oya1, Takahiro Kitamiura1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Osaka General Medical Center, Osaka, Japan.
Background:
Thrombocytosis is associated with the prognosis of various types of cancer. The purpose of this study was to quantify the prognostic impact of platelet count and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
Methods:
We systematically searched electronic databases and identified articles reporting an association between platelet count or PLR and HNSCC prognosis. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall survival (OS) were extracted, and the pooled HRs were estimated using random effect models.
Results:
Eight studies that enrolled 4096 patients and 9 studies that enrolled 2327 patients were included in the platelet count and PLR analyses, respectively. A platelet count greater than the cutoff value was associated with poor OS (HR 1.81; 95% CI 1.16-2.82) and any PLR greater than the cutoff value was associated with poor OS (HR 1.64; 95% CI 1.13-2.37).
Conclusion:
Elevated platelet count and PLR are associated with poor prognosis in patients with HNSCC.
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