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The Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) as a Potential Predictor in Conization Outcomes for Cervical Cancer

  • 0Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, 1082 Budapest, Hungary.
Cancers +

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June 13, 2025

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June 13, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) may help predict cervical cancer in patients undergoing conization. Higher NLR levels were linked to malignancy, suggesting its potential as an accessible biomarker.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Inflammation Markers

Background

  • Cervical cancer poses a significant global health challenge, especially in resource-limited areas.
  • The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a recognized systemic inflammation marker with prognostic value in various cancers.
  • The predictive role of NLR in cervical cancer, specifically in patients undergoing conization, requires further investigation.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To assess the diagnostic and predictive capabilities of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for identifying cervical cancer in conization outcomes.
  • To determine the correlation between preoperative NLR levels and histopathological findings post-conization.

Main Methods

  • Retrospective analysis of 374 patients from the SCOPE study.
  • Assessment of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) levels.
  • Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, logistic regression, and ROC curve analysis.

Main Results

  • Significantly elevated NLR levels were observed in patients with malignant conization outcomes (p=0.001).
  • A neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) cut-off of ≥2.86 demonstrated significant prediction of cervical cancer (p=0.045).
  • Logistic regression indicated a 37.2% increase in cancer likelihood for each unit rise in NLR (p=0.008), with ROC analysis showing moderate accuracy (AUC=0.734).

Conclusions

  • The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) shows potential as a non-invasive, accessible biomarker for predicting cervical cancer in patients undergoing conization.
  • An optimal NLR cut-off of ≥1.865 achieved 87.0% sensitivity and 53.8% specificity.
  • Further research validating NLR with HPV genotyping and molecular markers is recommended to enhance diagnostic accuracy, particularly in low-resource settings.

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