Change in the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio may predict early recurrence in operated bladder cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Hematology
• Urology

Background:

• Bladder cancer recurrence affects 50% of patients post-surgery.
• Reliable prognostic biomarkers for bladder cancer are currently lacking.
• Early detection of recurrence is crucial for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if hematological parameters, specifically the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), can predict bladder cancer recurrence before radiological imaging.
• To investigate the prognostic value of NLR changes in patients undergoing radical cystectomy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 91 patients with urothelial carcinoma undergoing radical cystectomy (2010-2022).
• Analysis of disease-free survival (DFS) using Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests.
• Evaluation of NLR in relation to DFS at diagnosis, 12 months, 6 months, and at the time of recurrence.

Main Results:

• DFS differed significantly by age, T stage, and lymph node status.
• NLR showed no significant difference for DFS at diagnosis or 12 months pre-recurrence.
• A significant difference in NLR for DFS was observed 6 months before relapse and at the time of recurrence (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Changes in NLR preceding radiological recurrence are significant predictors of bladder cancer relapse.
• NLR serves as a potential early warning indicator for bladder cancer recurrence.
• Further prospective, multi-center research is recommended to validate these findings.