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Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, a predictor for mortality and unplanned hospital readmissions in patients aged 75 years and older with cancer

  • 0Department of Geriatrics, University Hospital of Poitiers, 2 rue de la Milétrie, 86000 Poitiers, France.
Journal of Geriatric Oncology +

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July 15, 2025

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July 15, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) can predict mortality and hospital readmissions in older cancer patients. Higher NLR levels indicate a worse prognosis for elderly individuals with solid tumors.

Area Of Science

  • Geriatric Oncology
  • Cancer Prognostics
  • Inflammatory Markers

Background

  • Prognosis assessment in older cancer patients is complex due to heterogeneity.
  • Frailty, comorbidities, and geriatric parameters are crucial for care strategy.
  • Early prognostic indicators are needed to optimize oncological care for the elderly.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the prognostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR).
  • To assess NLR's association with overall survival (OS) and unplanned hospital readmissions (UHR).
  • To evaluate NLR in patients aged 75 and above with solid cancers.

Main Methods

  • Retrospective analysis of the ANCRAGE cohort (patients ≥75 years with solid cancer).
  • Pretreatment assessment included geriatric assessment (GA), frailty, and NLR determination.
  • Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate prognostic values for OS and UHR.

Main Results

  • 1446 patients included; 70% identified as frail, with malnutrition and fall risk prevalent.
  • Pretreatment NLR was an independent predictor of OS (HR 1.010, p<0.001) and UHR (HR 1.057, p=0.008).
  • A NLR cut-off value >3.5 was significantly associated with lower OS (p<0.001).

Conclusions

  • Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is independently associated with mortality in older cancer patients.
  • Elevated NLR predicts a high risk of unplanned hospital readmissions within one year.
  • NLR serves as a valuable early prognostic indicator in geriatric oncology.

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