Neutrophil To Lymphocyte Ratio As A Predictor Of Severity In Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Hematology
• Pathology

Background:

• Colorectal cancer, primarily adenocarcinoma, is a significant health concern globally and in Pakistan.
• The study addresses the need for predictive markers in colorectal cancer, particularly concerning tumor grade.
• Investigates the Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) as a potential indicator of disease severity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) as a marker for predicting the histological grade of colorectal adenocarcinoma.
• To assess the correlation between NLR and tumor severity in patients with colorectal cancer.
• To explore the potential of NLR as a preoperative tool for gauging tumor advancement.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cross-sectional study involving 60 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma.
• Histopathological examination of resected specimens was used for diagnosis.
• Comparison of NLR in patients with healthy age- and sex-matched controls.

Main Results:

• The mean NLR showed a direct correlation with increasing tumor grade: 4.5 (well-differentiated), 5.0 (moderately differentiated), and 6.0 (poorly differentiated).
• Patients with colorectal carcinoma exhibited significantly higher total leukocyte count, absolute neutrophil count, and NLR compared to healthy controls.
• The rectum and right hemicolon were the most common sites for colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Conclusions:

• Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) is directly proportional to tumor grade in colorectal adenocarcinoma.
• NLR can be utilized preoperatively to assess tumor advancement and guide treatment decisions.
• NLR shows promise as an independent screening marker for colorectal carcinoma due to low levels in normal colonic epithelium.