Leukocyte Ratios Predict Metastasis, Recurrence, and Mortality in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Cytotoxic...

Background/Objectives: Breast cancer is a leading cause of female mortality worldwide. Immune system dynamics, reflected in hematological ratios derived from leukocytes, have been increasingly recognized for their prognostic value in cancer patients. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of leukocyte-based hematological ratios in breast cancer patients undergoing cytotoxic polychemotherapy, focusing on their association with prognosis, chemoresistance, recurrence, metastasis, and mortality. Methods: A mixed observational study was conducted with 185 breast cancer patients undergoing AC-T chemotherapy. Hematologic ratios, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR), were calculated at multiple treatment points (D0-D168) and correlated with clinical outcomes. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and ROC curve evaluations to determine the prognostic accuracy of these markers. Results: Significant alterations in hematological ratios were observed during chemotherapy. An increase in MLR correlated with intermediate risk for death and metastasis, while elevated PLR and platelet-to-neutrophil ratio (PNR) were strongly associated with metastasis, recurrence, and mortality. Decreases in lymphocyte-to-platelet ratio (LPR) were linked to chemoresistance and adverse outcomes. ROC curve analysis identified PLR at D84 (sensitivity: 83.33%) and PNR at D126 (specificity: 87.01%) as robust prognostic markers. Conclusions: Leukocyte-based hematological ratios provide valuable insights into immune dynamics and prognosis in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Their integration into routine clinical evaluations could enhance risk stratification and personalized treatment approaches.