Baseline Neutrophil-Lymphocyte and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratios as Biomarkers of Survival in Cutaneous Melanoma: A Multicenter Cohort Study

The causal relationships of granulocytes and melanoma skin cancer: A univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence has revealed that granulocyte has a critical role in tumorigenesis and progression. In this study, Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was utilized for estimating the causal association between neutrophil percentage and melanoma skin cancer, eosinophil percentage and melanoma skin cancer, basophil percentage and melanoma skin cancer, respectively.

METHODS

The Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) ids for melanoma skin cancer, neutrophil percentage, eosinophil percentage and basophil percentage were derived from Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) Open GWAS database. The univariable MR (UVMR) analysis was conducted to estimate the risk using MR-Egger, weighted median, inverse variance weighted (IVW). In addition, sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the reliability of UVMR results. Finally, the multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis was performed to investigate causality between neutrophil percentage and eosinophil percentage in the presence of both and melanoma skin cancer.

RESULTS

The UVMR indicated that neutrophil percentage and eosinophil percentage were significantly and causally related to melanoma skin cancer, with neutrophil percentage [p = 0.025, odds ratio (OR) = 1.002] as a risk factor and eosinophil percentage (p = 7.04E-06, OR = 0.997) as a protective factor. Moreover, MVMR analysis indicated eosinophil percentage remained the protective factor (p = 0.003, OR = 0.998), while the causality of neutrophil percentage and melanoma skin cancer became insignificant (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The causal relationships of neutrophil percentage and melanoma skin cancer, eosinophil percentage and melanoma skin cancer were shown by this study, which provided a reference for subsequent research and treatment related to melanoma skin cancer.

Baseline Serum neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in acral melanoma compared with nonacral melanoma and its prognostic significance

BACKGROUND

Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), a cutaneous melanoma subtype, exhibits a poorer prognosis than nonacral cutaneous melanoma (NACM). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is emerging as a prognostic indicator across diverse cancers.

OBJECTIVE

We explored the baseline NLR disparities between ALM and NACM, and the NLR's prognostic significance in patients with ALM.

METHODS

We reviewed records of patients with ALM and NACM diagnosed between 1997 and 2022, analyzing medical data.

RESULTS

Among 327 and 159 patients with ALM and NACM, respectively, baseline NLR varied based on distinct clinicopathologic factors between ALM and NACM. In stage 3 to 4 melanomas, the median NLR for ALM (2.18; IQR, 1.70-3.08) significantly surpassed NACM (1.74; IQR, 1.33-2.53) (P = .029). In patients with ALM, high NLR (hazard ratio, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.02-2.66; P = .043) was independently correlated with poor progression-free survival when adjusting for ulceration, Breslow thickness of ≥2 mm, and nodal invasion.

LIMITATIONS

Single-center, retrospective design.

CONCLUSION

Advanced-stage ALM exhibited a significantly higher baseline NLR compared with that of NACM. Evaluating baseline NLR could provide valuable prognostic insights for patients with ALM.

Prognostic Value of the Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet-to- lymphocyte Ratio and Monocyte-to-lymphocyte Ratio in Melanoma Patients: A Cohort Study

The prognostic value of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio and monocyte-lymphocyte ratio in patients with melanoma has yielded controversial results in the literature. A retrospective single-centre cohort study was conducted from 1998 to 2020, including patients diagnosed with invasive melanoma. A total of 2,721 patients were included in the study. The median follow-up was 8.23 years (IQR 4.41-13.25). The median baseline neutrophil- lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio and monocyte-lymphocyte ratio values increased significantly (p < 0.001) with the increasing American Joint Committee on Cancer stage. The optimal cut-off values for neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio and monocyte-lymphocyte ratio were determined as 2.1, 184 and 0.2, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, high levels of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (≥ 2.1), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (≥ 184) and monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (≥ 0.2) were independently associated with significantly shorter melanoma-specific survival (neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio: HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.06-1.60, p = 0.013; platelet-lymphocyte ratio: HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.06-1.76, p = 0.014; monocyte- lymphocyte ratio: HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.05-1.58, p = 0.015) and overall survival (neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio: HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.19-1.64, p < 0.001; platelet- lymphocyte ratio: HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.19-1.74, p < 0.001; monocyte-lymphocyte ratio: HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.21-1.66, p < 0.001). High levels of neutrophil- lymphocyte ratio and monocyte-lymphocyte ratio were also associated with poor relapse-free survival, while platelet-lymphocyte ratio was not. In conclusion, baseline neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio and monocyte-lymphocyte ratio were identified as independent predictors for the prognosis of melanoma.

Spectrum of malignant and premalignant skin lesions in 505 adult subjects at risk of skin cancers

Patients at risk of skin cancers can develop varying types of cutaneous malignancies. However, some subjects may develop only one type of lesion. In this cross-sectional study, the spectrum of premalignant (PM) and malignant skin lesions and their risk factors were studied. Therefore, 505 adult subjects (aged 21-79 years, 256 males and 249 females, 96 with immunosuppression) at risk of any type of skin cancer were examined for cutaneous malignancies, nevi, actinic keratoses, photodamage, and possible risk factors. First, 12 different groups were identified with a varying set of PM and/or malignant skin lesions. Next, 5 larger groups were formed from them: basal cell carcinoma (BCC) only, malignant melanoma (MM) only, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and/or PM, BCC + SCC and/or PM, and MM + keratinocyte carcinoma (KC) and/or PM. The groups with BCC or MM only were younger and showed less photodamage than the mixed groups, while SCC/PM showed similarity with them. In logistic regression analyses, the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio was associated with an increased risk of concomitant KC (OR 1.028, p = 0.023) or SCC/PM (OR 1.009, p = 0.047) in subjects with MM or BCC, respectively. Actinic keratoses produced ORs 0.246-0.252 (p = 0.008-0.020) for BCC in subjects with SCC/PM. Interestingly, atypical mole syndrome decreased the risk of SCC/PM in subjects with BCC (OR 0.092, p = 0.001). Advanced age was a significant risk factor for an additional type of lesion in all 3 comparisons (ORs 1.088-1.388, p = 0.001). In conclusion, even though there are numerous patients with only one lesion type, advancing age may determine the final lesion multiplicity.

Biomarkers for Outcome in Metastatic Melanoma in First Line Treatment with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Introduction: A high proportion of metastatic melanoma patients do not respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), and until now, no validated biomarkers for response and survival have been known. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of outcomes in patients with metastatic melanoma treated with first-line ICI at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana from January 2018 to December 2020. The immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and serum immune-inflammation parameters (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (LR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV)) were analyzed as potential biomarkers for response and survival. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method and then compared with the log-rank test. Multivariate regression Cox analysis was used to determine independent prognostic factors for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: Median follow-up was 22.5 months. The estimated median progression-free survival (PFS) was 15 months (95% CI 3.3–26.2). The two-year survival rate (OS) was 66.6%. Among 129 treated patients, 24 (18.6%) achieved complete response, 28 (21.7%) achieved partial response, 26 (20.2%) had stable disease and 51 (39.5%) patients experienced a progressive disease. There was a higher response rate in patients with irAEs (p < 0.001) and high NLR before the second cycle of ICI (p = 0.052). Independent prognostic factors for PFS were irAE (HR 0.41 (95% CI 0.23–0.71)), SII before the first cycle of ICI (HR 1.94 (95% CI 1.09–3.45)) and PLR before the second cycle of ICI (HR 1.71 (95% CI 1.03–2.83)). The only independent prognostic factor for OS was SII before the first cycle of ICI (HR 2.60 (95% CI 0.91–7.50)). Conclusions: Patients with high pre-treatment levels of SII had a higher risk of progression and death; however, patients with irAEs in the high-SII group might respond well to ICI. Patients who develop irAEs and have high NLRs before the second ICI application have higher rates of CR and PR, which implicates their use as early biomarkers for responsiveness to ICI.

Real Check RIO: A Real-World Analysis of Nivolumab in First Line Metastatic Melanoma Assessing Efficacy, Safety and Predictive Factors

We performed a retrospective study on 51 metastatic melanoma patients treated with Nivolumab in first line, at the Regional Institute of Oncology (RIO) Iasi, Romania between April 2017 and December 2019. We studied the efficacy and safety of anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy on a treatment-naive population. After a median follow-up of 36 months, the median progression free survival (PFS) was 26 months (95% CI, 15-36) and the median overall survival (OS) was 31 months (95% CI, 20.1-41.8). At 12 months after the initiation of immunotherapy, the percentage of patients alive was 70%, and at 24 months 62.5%. The most common adverse events observed were dermatological (23.5%) and grade ≥3 was identified in 4 (6.8%) patients. Multivariate analysis indicated that the presence of liver metastases (HR 4.42; 95% CI: 1.88-10.4, p = 0.001) and a neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio (NLR) were associated with poor survival (HR 3.21; 95% CI: 1.04-9.87, p = 0.04). Although retrospective data on a small group of patients were analyzed, we can conclude that our results in RIO are similar to those described in clinical trials and other real-world studies. Our study highlights the potential usefulness of liver metastases and NLR as novel predictive factors in clinical decision-making.

C-Reactive Protein and Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio Predict Recurrence in Stage III Melanoma Patients with Microscopic Sentinel Lymph Node Metastasis

Although adjuvant therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and BRAF/MEK inhibitors improve recurrence-free survival (RFS) in stage III melanoma patients significantly, prognostic factors are needed to identify patients with a high risk of disease recurrence. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the prognostic potential of routinely collected blood parameters for stage III melanoma patients with microscopic sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis. Altogether, we retrospectively analyzed 138 stage III melanoma patients who were diagnosed with microscopic SLN metastasis at the skin cancer center of the University Hospital Cologne between 2011 and 2020 and who did not receive prior adjuvant therapy with ICI or BRAF/MEK-inhibitors. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, Kaplan-Meier survival analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to assess the impact of preoperatively collected blood parameters and blood ratios on recurrence-free survival (RFS; primary endpoint) and overall survival (OS). A high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), low lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) and high C-reactive protein (CRP) value were significantly associated with shorter RFS in multivariate analysis. For LMR (cut-off 3.5) and for CRP (cut-off 3.0) this effect remained after dichotomization. CRP showed a stronger association with RFS than NLR or LMR, with the highest association being detected for the combination of low LMR and high CRP. Additionally, derived NLR ≥ 2.0 was significantly associated with shorter OS in multivariate analysis. In summary, our data suggest that CRP in combination with LMR should be considered as a marker for melanoma recurrence in stage III melanoma patients with microscopic SLN metastasis.

The pan-immune-inflammation value and systemic immune-inflammation index in advanced melanoma patients under immunotherapy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in patients with cutaneous melanoma (CM) under immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy.

METHODS

PIV and SII were calculated before the start of ICI therapy and at time of progression/death in patients with metastatic CM (stage III/IV). Sex-age-matched CM patients in stage I/II and healthy subjects (HC) served as controls.

RESULTS

The median PIV of stage III/IV patients was significantly (P = 0.0011) higher than in stage I/II patients and HC. SII was significantly (P = 0.00044) lower in HC than in CM patients. At baseline, PIV and SII did significantly correlate with lactate dehydrogenase (P = 0.045/0.017). However, ROC curve statistics revealed that SII and PIV were not significantly associated with clinical parameters, including best response to ICI treatment (P = 0.87/0.64), progression-free survival (P = 0.73/0.91), and melanoma-specific survival (P = 0.13/0.17). Moreover, there were no significant changes of PIV and SII from baseline to progression/death (P = 0.38/0.52).

CONCLUSIONS

Even though both immune-inflammation biomarkers showed some power to differentiate between CM stages and HC, respectively, PIV and SII seem not to be significant predictors for clinical outcome measures of CM patients under ICI therapy.

Cilt Kanserlerinin Ayırıcı Tanısında İnflamatuar Belirteçlerin Yeri

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of WBC count, NLR, LMR, PLR, Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) [(platelet count X neutrophil count) \ lymphocyte count] and platelet count (Plt)×NLR in the differential diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma and to determine the effect of tumor type, prediction of lymph node metastasis at initial diagnosis and location on these inflammatory markers. Material and Method: Patients who underwent surgery for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or malignant melanoma were retrospectively screened. NLR, LMR, PLR, SII and Plt×NLR were calculated. Relationships between tumor type, prediction of lymph node metastasis at initial diagnosis, tumor localization and the inflammatory and hematological parameters of interest were investigated. Tumor location was classified as head and neck and others. Results: A total of 257 patients were included in the study. No statistically significant differences in WBC, NLR, PLR, LMR, SII or Plt×NLR were detected according to tumor location. The patients with squamous cell carcinoma had higher NLR, PRL, SII and Plt×NLR values than those with basal cell carcinoma. The risk of lymph node metastasis at the time of initial diagnosis was 10.3 times higher in patients with PLR levels of 180.7 and higher. The risk of lymph node metastasis detected at initial diagnosis was 8.9 times higher in patients with Plt×NLR of 747 and higher. The risk of lymph node metastasis detected at initial diagnosis was 7.1 times higher in patients with SII of 414 and higher. Conclusion: Inflammatory markers seem to be useful in the differential diagnosis of skin cancers and determined the risk of lymph node metastasis. However, it does not differ according to tumor localization.

Apprising Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Cutaneous Melanoma—Persistent Updating

The incidence of melanoma, a very aggressive skin cancer, has increased over the past few decades. Although there are well-established clinical, dermoscopic and histopathological criteria, the diagnosis is often performed late, which has important implications on the patient’s clinical outcome. Unfortunately, melanoma is one of the most challenging tumors to diagnose because it is a heterogeneous neoplasm at the clinical, histopathological, and molecular level. The use of reliable biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression is becoming a standard of care in modern medicine. In this review, we discuss the latest studies, which highlight findings from the genomics, epitranscriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics areas, pointing out different genes, molecules and cells as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cutaneous melanoma.

Prognostic Potential of the Baseline Pan-Immune-Inflammation Value and Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio in Stage I to III Melanoma Patients

Prognostic biomarkers derived from complete blood count (CBC) have received marked interest as an indirect measure of the inflammatory pressure in cancers such as metastatic melanoma. Here, we evaluated the novel pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) and the frequently assessed neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in a large cohort of patients with cutaneous melanoma (CM) without distant metastases (stages I to III). PIV and NLR were calculated at CM diagnosis. Healthy controls were also included. We used the Kaplan-Meier method to estimate crude survival probabilities and used Cox proportional hazards regression for multiple adjustment of hazard ratios. We observed that higher PIV (HR: 1.72, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.58 and HR: 1.696, 95% CI 1.029 to 2.795, respectively) and NLR (HR: 1.70, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.62) values were associated with CM relapse and CM-specific death in the crude analysis. However, when adjusting for potential confounders, in particular age and tumor thickness, the total effect of PIV and NLR on CM-relapse-free (HR: 1.28, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.98 and HR: 1.26, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.98, respectively) and CM-specific survival (HR: 1.36, 95% CI 0.80 to 2.30 and HR: 1.37, 95% CI 0.80 to 2.33, respectively) was substantially reduced. However, both PIV and NLR were positively correlated with age and tumor thickness, which are important independent predictors for CM relapse and CM-specific death. In conclusion, in stage I to III CM patients PIV as well as NLR appear to be confounded by age and tumor thickness and probably have no potential to further improve the prediction of survival of stage I to III CM patients beyond standard prognostic factors.

MelRisk: Using neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio to improve risk prediction models for metastatic cutaneous melanoma in the sentinel lymph node

BACKGROUND

Identifying metastatic melanoma in the sentinel lymph node (SLN) is important because 80% of SLN biopsies are negative and 11% of patients develop complications. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a biomarker of micrometastatic disease, could improve prediction models for SLN status. We externally validated existing models and developed 'MelRisk' prognostic score to better predict SLN metastasis.

METHODS

The models were externally validated using data from a multicenter cohort study of 1,251 adults. Additionally, we developed and internally validated a new prognostic score `MelRisk', using candidate predictors derived from the extant literature.

RESULTS

The Karakousis model had a C-statistic of 0.58 (95% CI, 0.54-0.62). The Sondak model had a C-statistic of 0.57 (95% CI 0.53-0.61). The MIA model had a C-statistic of 0.60 (95% CI. 0.56-0.64). Our 'MelRisk' model (which used Breslow thickness, ulceration, age, anatomical site, and the NLR) showed an adjusted C-statistic of 0.63 (95% CI, 0.56-0.64).

CONCLUSION

Our prediction tool is freely available in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, and we invite colleagues to externally validate its performance .

Outcome of extracorporeal photopheresis in mycosis fungoides patients is not predicted by quotients of systemic immune-inflammatory biomarkers

BACKGROUND

Systemic immune-inflammatory biomarkers (SIIBs) have not been studied in mycosis fungoides (MF) patients undergoing extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP).

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to determine whether recently proposed SIIBs are suitable to predict ECP treatment outcome and overall prognosis of patients with MF.

METHODS

Twenty-nine MF patients were retrospectively evaluated who had undergone ECP. SIIBs included neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, and pan-immune-inflammation value.

RESULTS

Lymphocyte count (P = .021), CD4+/CD8+ cells (P = .00006), CD4+/CD56+ NK cells (P = .00008), and LDH levels (P = .0041) significantly declined after 6-month ECP. We could not detect significant cutoff values for baseline SIIBs capable of predicting advanced disease, overall response to 6-month ECP, or 5-year lymphoma-specific (LS) survival (P > .05). Circulating baseline counts of CD4+/CD7- cells (cutoff: ≤ 12.2; P = .010) and CD4+/CD26- cells (cutoff: ≤ 19.5; P < .0001) significantly predicted ECP treatment response after 6 months. Moreover, CD4+/CD8+ ratio (cutoff: > 1.34; P = .045) and increased thrombocyte counts (cutoff: >259 000; P = .010) were baseline predictors for 5-year LS death.

CONCLUSION

ECP appears to be beneficial in early-stage CTCL as well. Lower percentages of circulating CD4+/CD7- and CD4+/CD26- lymphocytes at baseline correlate with response to ECP. In this study, however, baseline SIIBs did not appear to serve as suitable biomarkers for the prediction of treatment outcome and LS survival.

Mortality in cutaneous malignant melanoma and its association with Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratio

INTRODUCTION

Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) incidence has risen rapidly in the last 50 years. Poor progression and high mortality characterize CMM, making a thorough understanding of progression and associated factors essential for optimizing care.

AIMS

We assessed the association between the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and mortality in adults with CMM from an entirely mixed-race Hispanic population during 12 consecutive years of extensive follow-up.

MATERIAL & METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study in a tertiary hospital in Peru. NLR was categorized with a cutoff value higher or equal than 3. We collected demographic variables, laboratory results and treatments at baseline of follow-up. Cox regression analysis was performed, and we calculated crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and their 95% confidence interval (95%CI).

RESULTS

The analysis was from 615 CMM cases, and there were 378 deaths. Most melanomas (63.6%) were acral lentiginous. The crude analysis showed that high NLR is a risk factor for mortality, HR = 2.52; 95%CI (2.03-3.14). High NRL ratio remains statistically significant after adjusting for confounding variables, aHR = 1.61; 95%CI (1.16-2.24). Other risk factors for mortality were clinical stages III and IV, older than 60 years, females and greater Breslow thickness.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that high NRL ratio is a risk factor for mortality and should be monitored in every patient who is diagnosed with malignant melanoma during their first blood count. It should then be carried out in follow-up controls for patients of clinical stage III and IV only, or in patients who present a relapse.

Prognostic significance of platelet lymphocyte ratio in patients with melanoma: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the prognostic role of platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in patients with melanoma through performing a meta-analysis.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched for potential studies. The basic characteristics and relevant data were extracted. Hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled to evaluate the prognostic role of PLR in patients with melanoma.

RESULTS

Ten studies enrolling 2422 patients were included. The pooled hazard ratios of higher PLR for overall survival and progression-free survival in melanoma were 1.70 (95% CI, 1.22-2.37) and 1.65 (95% CI, 1.10-2.47), respectively. Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analyses were also performed. No significant publication bias was observed.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that higher PLR was associated with poorer overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with melanoma. These findings may help to determine the prognosis and explore future novel therapies based on modulating inflammation and immune responses in melanoma.

The clinical relevance of laboratory prognostic scores for patients with radiosurgically treated brain metastases of non-pulmonary primary tumor

Purpose

To investigate the clinical value of the inflammation based prognostic scores for patients with radiosurgically treated brain metastases (BM) originating from non-pulmonary primary tumor (PT).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 340 BM patients of different PT origin (melanoma, breast, gastrointestinal, or genitourinary cancer) was performed. Pre-radiosurgical laboratory prognostic scores, such as the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), the Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio (LMR), and the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS), were investigated within 14 days before the first Gamma Knife radiosurgical treatment (GKRS1).

Results

In our study cohort, the estimated survival was significantly longer in patients with NLR < 5 (p < 0.001), LMR > 4 (p = 0.001) and in patients with a mGPS score of 0 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, univariate and multivariate Cox regression models revealed NLR ≥ 5, LMR < 4 and mGPS score ≥ 1 as independent prognostic factors for an increased risk of death even after adjusting for age, sex, KPS, extracranial metastases status, presence of neurological symptoms and treatment with immunotherapy (IT) or targeted therapy (TT).

Conclusions

Summarizing previously published and present data, pre-radiosurgical mGPS and NLR groups seem to be the most effective and simple independent prognostic factors to predict clinical outcome in radiosurgically treated BM patients.

Comparison of non-myeloablative lymphodepleting preconditioning regimens in patients undergoing adoptive T cell therapy

Background

Adoptive cell therapy with T cells genetically engineered to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-T) or tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TIL) demonstrates impressive clinical results in patients with cancer. Lymphodepleting preconditioning prior to cell infusion is an integral part of all adoptive T cell therapies. However, to date, there is no standardization and no data comparing different non-myeloablative (NMA) regimens.

Methods

In this study, we compared NMA therapies with different doses of cyclophosphamide or total body irradiation (TBI) in combination with fludarabine and evaluated bone marrow suppression and recovery, cytokine serum levels, clinical response and adverse events.

Results

We demonstrate that a cumulative dose of 120 mg/kg cyclophosphamide and 125 mg/m² fludarabine (120Cy/125Flu) and 60Cy/125Flu preconditioning were equally efficient in achieving deep lymphopenia and neutropenia in patients with metastatic melanoma, whereas absolute lymphocyte counts (ALCs) and absolute neutrophil counts were significantly higher following 200 cGyTBI/75Flu-induced NMA. Thrombocytopenia was most profound in 120Cy/125Flu patients. 30Cy/75Flu-induced preconditioning in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia resulted in a minor ALC decrease, had no impact on platelet counts and did not yield deep neutropenia. Following cell infusion, 120Cy/125Flu patients with objective tumor response had significantly higher ALC and significant lower inflammatory indexes, such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). Receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis 7 days after cell infusion was performed to determine the cut-offs, which distinguish between responding and non-responding patients in the 120Cy/125Flu cohort. NLR≤1.79 and PLR≤32.7 were associated with clinical response and overall survival. Cytokine serum levels did not associate with clinical response in patients with TIL. Patients in the 120Cy/125Flu cohort developed significantly more acute NMA-related adverse events, including thrombocytopenia, febrile neutropenia and cardiotoxicity, and stayed significantly longer in hospital compared with the 60Cy/125Flu and TBI/75Flu cohorts.

Conclusions

Bone marrow depletion and recovery were equally affected by 120Cy/125Flu and 60Cy/125Flu preconditioning; however, toxicity and consequently duration of hospitalization were significantly lower in the 60Cy/125Flu cohort. Patients in the 30Cy/75Flu and TBI/75Flu groups rarely developed NMA-induced adverse events; however, both regimens were not efficient in achieving deep bone marrow suppression. Among the regimens, 60Cy/125Flu preconditioning seems to achieve maximum effect with minimum toxicity.

Prognostic Value of Preoperative Inflammatory Markers in Melanoma Patients with Brain Metastases

Background: Metastatic melanoma disease is accompanied by highly systemic inflammatory responses. The prognostic value of preoperative laboratory inflammation markers in brain metastatic melanoma patients has not been adequately investigated so far. Methods: Preoperative inflammatory blood parameters were correlated to overall survival (OS) rates in melanoma patients that underwent surgery for brain metastasis (BM) between 2013 and 2019 at the authors’ institution. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used for cutoff determination of routine laboratory parameters. Results: Median OS in the present cohort of 30 melanoma patients with surgically treated BM was 7 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.7–8.3). Initial elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (>10 mg/L), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥ 4, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) ≥ 145, and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) < 2 were associated with significantly reduced OS rates. Conclusions: The present study identifies several preoperative peripheral inflammatory markers as indicators for poor prognosis in melanoma patients with BM undergoing neurosurgical treatment. Elevated initial CRP values, higher NLR and PLR, and lower LMR were associated with reduced OS and, thus, might be incorporated into preoperative interdisciplinary treatment planning and counseling for affected patients.

Systemic Inflammatory Markers Are Predictive of the Response to Brachytherapy in the Prostate

We analyzed the influence of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) on the biochemical recurrence (BCR) in low-intermediate risk prostate cancer (PCa). A total of 604 patients treated with exclusive brachytherapy for low- and intermediate-risk cancers were included in this study. No patient received either androgen deprivation or brachytherapy as a boost. BCR was defined according to the Phoenix definition (nadir prostatic specific antigen (PSA) +2). The median follow-up was 60 months (IQR 44–48 months). An NLR > 3 was more frequent in statin users (p = 0.025), but not in diabetics (p = 0.079). In univariate analysis (UVA) and multivariate analysis (MVA), a NLR > 3 (MVA p = 0.03), as well as Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) low- vs. intermediate-risk (MVA p = 0.04), were predictive of BCR. When combining the NLR score with the CAPRA risk group, CAPRA intermediate risk patients with an NLR ≤ 3 (n = 157) had the worst (p = 0.0276) BCR rates, with a 5-year recurrence-free survival (p = 0.004, Bonferroni correction for six comparisons p = 0.024). We were able to identify a subgroup of PCa patients with CAPRA intermediate-risk and an NLR ≤ 3 who had worse BCR. This is in contrast to most other cancers, which have a worse prognosis when the NLR is high.

Is the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio a useful prognostic indicator in melanoma patients?

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is gaining traction as a biomarker with utility in a variety of malignancies including melanoma. Intact lymphocyte function is necessary for tumor surveillance and destruction, and neutrophils play a role in suppressing lymphocyte proliferation and in the induction of lymphocyte apoptosis. Early research in melanoma indicates that in high-risk localized melanoma, a high NLR is correlated with worse overall and disease-free survival. Similarly, in metastatic melanoma treated with both metastasectomy and immunotherapies, an elevated NLR is predictive of shortened overall survival and progression-free survival. Future studies incorporating NLR into more traditional melanoma prognostic markers while employing more granular outcomes, are needed to realize the full potential of NLR.

Prognostic and clinicopathological significance of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio in melanoma: A meta-analysis involving 2099 patients

To investigate the prognostic role of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in melanoma through a meta-analytical method. The literature was searched using the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus electronic platforms. Hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Begg's test and Egger's test were used to assess potential publication bias. A total of eight retrospective cohort studies involving 2099 patients were included in the meta-analysis. No significant association between the PLR and OS was found (HR = 1.39; 95% CI = 0.97-1.99; P = .075). There was also a nonsignificant correlation between the PLR and PFS (HR = 1.49; 95% CI = 0.98-2.27; P = .065). In addition, there was no significant association between the PLR and sex (odds ratio [OR] = 1.14; 95% CI = 0.23-5.66; P = .869) or age (OR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.41-1.59; P = .539). No significant publication bias was found in this meta-analysis. The pooled analysis suggests that the PLR may not be a significant prognostic marker in patients with melanoma.

Prognostic Value of the Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients With Melanoma: A Meta-Analysis

Background: The prognostic role of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is controversial in patients with melanoma. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the prognostic value of the PLR in patients with melanoma. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane library, WanFang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched for eligible studies. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the association between the PLR and overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Results: Nine studies with 2,396 patients were included in this meta-analysis. A high PLR was a predictor of shorter OS (HR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.18-2.38, p = 0.004), but not PFS (HR = 1.53, 95% CI = 0.96-2.44, p = 0.075) in patients with melanoma. Subgroup analysis revealed that the PLR remained a significant prognostic indicator of both OS and PFS in patients with non-metastatic disease; the PLR cutoff value of <120 had a consistent prognostic value. Conclusions: An increased PLR was associated with poor OS of patients with melanoma. Hence, we suggest that the preoperative PLR could be used to identify high-risk patients and provide information regarding the prognosis of patients with melanoma.

Elevated preoperative platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts poor prognosis of patients with primary gastrointestinal stromal tumor

BACKGROUND

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are considered to reflect the systemic inflammatory response and clinical prognosis. However, the independent prognostic values of the NLR and PLR for patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) remain debatable. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic value of preoperative NLR and PLR in GIST patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all GIST patients diagnosed and surgically treated at Union Hospital between 2005 and 2018. The preoperative NLR and PLR were calculated to evaluate recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to estimate the independent prognostic values.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 49 months (interquartile range, 22-74 months). The preoperative PLR was significantly increased in the GIST patients with intermediate and high tumor risks. Increases in the NLR (≥2.34) and PLR (≥185.04) were associated with shorter RFS and OS (P < 0.01). Moreover, the multivariate analysis revealed that elevated PLR was an independent factor for shorter RFS (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.041; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.001-4.622; P < 0.001) and OS (HR: 1.899; 95% CI: 1.136-3.173; P = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

The preoperative PLR is a potential biomarker of GIST and is related to the clinical outcome. An elevated preoperative PLR predicts poor prognosis of patients with primary GIST after complete surgical resection.

The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and locoregional melanoma: a multicentre cohort study

OBJECTIVES

The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an inflammatory biomarker which is useful in cancer prognostication. We aimed to investigate the differences in baseline NLR between patients with localised and metastatic cutaneous melanoma and how this biomarker changed over time with the recurrence of disease.

METHODS

This multicentre cohort study describes patients treated for Stage I-III cutaneous melanoma over 10 years. The baseline NLR was measured immediately prior to surgery and again at the time of discharge or disease recurrence. The odds ratios (OR) for sentinel node involvement are estimated using mixed-effects logistic regression. The risk of recurrence is estimated using multivariable Cox regression.

RESULTS

Overall 1489 individuals were included. The mean baseline NLR was higher in patients with palpable nodal disease compared to those with microscopic nodal or localised disease (2.8 versus 2.4 and 2.3, respectively; p < 0.001). A baseline NLR ≥ 2.3 was associated with 30% higher odds of microscopic metastatic melanoma in the sentinel lymph node [adjusted OR 1.3 (95% CI 1.3, 1.3)]. Following surgery, 253 patients (18.7%) developed recurrent melanoma during surveillance although there was no statistically significant association between the baseline NLR and the risk of recurrence [adjusted HR 0.9 (0.7, 1.1)].

CONCLUSION

The NLR is associated with the volume of melanoma at presentation and may predict occult sentinel lymph metastases. Further prospective work is required to investigate how NLR may be modelled against other clinicopathological variables to predict outcomes and to understand the temporal changes in NLR following surgery for melanoma.

Correlation between cutaneous adverse events and prognosis in patients with melanoma treated with nivolumab: A single institutional retrospective study

Treatment for patients with unresectable melanoma has been dramatically changed by the use of immunocheckpoint inhibitors (ICI). In this study, we reviewed patients with unresectable stage III/IV melanoma, who were treated with nivolumab between July 2014 and March 2017 at the Department of Dermatologic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, and retrospectively recorded cutaneous adverse events (cAE), development of vitiligo, clinical characteristics and clinical responses. We identified 128 patients, 61 (47.7%) of whom showed cAE, including 30 (23.4%) with development or exacerbation of vitiligo. The prognosis of patients with melanoma treated with ICI correlated with cAE, including development of vitiligo. Patients with cAE showed better objective responses (41.0% vs 6.0%, P < 0.001), progression-free survival (PFS) (377 vs 61 days, P < 0.001) and overall survival (OS) (763 vs 209 days, P < 0.001) than did patients without cAE. Patients who developed vitiligo showed better objective responses (53.3% vs 29.0% vs 6.0%, P < 0.001), PFS (median, not reached vs 317 vs 65 days, P < 0.001) and OS (not reached vs 689 vs 209 days, P < 0.001) than did patients with other cAE and patients without cAE. Landmark analysis showed development of vitiligo starting 20 weeks after starting nivolumab correlated with better OS. In multivariate analysis, OS correlated with performance status, number of metastasized organs, cAE other than vitiligo and development of vitiligo. Despite the fact that the correlation between other cAE and OS was less than that of vitiligo, cAE may be a simple marker of favorable prognosis.

Non-operative management of spinal metastases: A prognostic model for failure

OBJECTIVES

To describe patient-specific characteristics associated with non-operative failure leading to surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of patients treated for spinal metastases from 2005 to 2017. We deemed patients as failures if they were treated non-operatively and then received a surgical intervention within one year of starting a non-operative regimen. We used multivariable Poisson regression to identify factors associated with non-operative failure. We conducted internal validation using bootstrapping with 1000 replications.

RESULTS

We identified 1205 patients with spinal metastases, of whom 834 were initially treated non-operatively and constituted the analytic sample. Of these 77 (9%) went on to have surgery within 1-year of presentation and were deemed non-operative treatment failures. We identified vertebral body collapse and/or pathologic fracture (adjusted Risk Ratio [RR] 1.75; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.11, 2.76) and neurologic signs or symptoms at presentation (RR 1.90; 95% CI 1.19, 3.03) as factors independently associated with an increased risk of non-operative failure. Platelet-lymphocyte ratio >155, a marker for inflammatory state, was also associated with an increased risk of failure (RR 2.32; 95% CI 1.15, 4.69). Failure rates among those with 0, 1, 2 or all three of these risk factors were 5%, 7%, 12% and 20%, respectively (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

We found that 9% of patients with spinal metastases initially treated non-operatively received surgery within 1-year of commencing care. The likelihood of surgery increased with the number of risk factors. These results can be used in counseling and shared decision making at the time of initial presentation.

The prognostic value of platelet-lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in the treatment response and survival of patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is a rare and highly heterogeneous non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Although a few prognostic models have been put forward to predict the prognosis of PTCL, some patients with poor prognosis remain unidentified. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective study of 213 adult PTCL patients and assessed the prognostic role of platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the complete response (CR) and survival of PTCL patients. Patients with PLR ≥ 232.5 achieved a lower CR rate than patients with PLR < 232.5 (18.5% vs. 56.6%, p < .001). Moreover, there was a statistical significance in CR rate between patients with NLR ≥ 3.7 and < 3.7 (31.7% vs. 60.7%, p < .001). The univariable analysis indicated that both PLR and NLR were related with worse OS. However, only PLR remained an independent prognostic indicator of OS (p = .002) by multivariable analysis.

Melanoma-Bearing Libechov Minipig (MeLiM): The Unique Swine Model of Hereditary Metastatic Melanoma

National cancer databases document that melanoma is the most aggressive and deadly cutaneous malignancy with worldwide increasing incidence in the Caucasian population. Around 10% of melanomas occur in families. Several germline mutations were identified that might help to indicate individuals at risk for preventive interventions and early disease detection. More than 50% of sporadic melanomas carry mutations in Ras/Raf/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK/MEK) pathway, which may represent aims of novel targeted therapies. Despite advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapies, the outcomes in metastatic tumor are still unsatisfactory. Here, we review animal models that help our understanding of melanoma development and treatment, including non-vertebrate, mouse, swine, and other mammal models, with an emphasis on those with spontaneously developing melanoma. Special attention is paid to the melanoma-bearing Libechov minipig (MeLiM). This original swine model of hereditary metastatic melanoma enables studying biological processes underlying melanoma progression, as well as spontaneous regression. Current histological, immunohistochemical, biochemical, genetic, hematological, immunological, and skin microbiome findings in the MeLiM model are summarized, together with development of new therapeutic approaches based on tumor devitalization. The ongoing study of molecular and immunological base of spontaneous regression in MeLiM model has potential to bring new knowledge of clinical importance.

Prognostic Value of Peripheral Inflammatory Markers in Preoperative Mucosal Melanoma: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

Background: Peripheral neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) have been widely reported prognostic predictors for many cancers. However, data predicting prognosis on mucosal melanoma is currently limited. This study aimed to identify the value of these inflammatory markers in predicting prognosis in preoperative mucosal melanoma.

Methods: In this multicenter retrospective study, we assessed patients with preoperative mucosal melanoma for 7 years. Connection between baseline inflammatory markers (NLR, PLR, and LMR) and overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) was analyzed by Kaplan–Meier curve with a log-rank test. Then, NLR, PLR, and LMR, along with characteristics of patients, were included in the univariate and multivariate Cox hazards regression model to examine the correlation with OS and PFS. The optimal cutoff value of these inflammatory markers was stratified by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results: Patients with baseline NLR > 3.07, PLR > 118.70, or LMR ≤ 7.38 had significantly poorer OS and PFS according to Kaplan–Meier curve with a log-rank test. Univariate analysis indicated that surgery, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), NLR, PLR, and LMR were statistically connected to both OS and PFS. In multivariate analysis, LMR (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.113; 95% CI: 0.017–0.772; P = 0.026) and surgery (HR = 0.166; 95% CI: 0.033–0.846; P = 0.031) maintained significant relevance with OS.

Conclusions: This research revealed that a higher NLR and PLR and a lower LMR than the cutoff point was associated with a worse prognosis of preoperative mucosal melanoma. Thus, we assumed that NLR, PLR, and especially LMR were potential prognostic predictors of preoperative mucosal melanoma.

Baseline platelet counts and derived inflammatory biomarkers: prognostic relevance in metastatic melanoma patients receiving Endostar plus dacarbazine and cisplatin

Background: The clinical efficacy and safety of Endostar combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of metastatic malignant melanoma (MM) were analyzed and the indicators capable of predicting the efficacy of the regimen were identified to guide clinical practice. Patients and methods: The clinical data of 55 patients with metastatic MM without gene mutations who were treated with Endostar combined with dacarbazine and cisplatin were retrospectively analyzed. Efficacy was assessed using RECIST 1.1, and adverse events (AEs) were graded according to NCI-CTCAE 4.0. The log-rank test was used to compare the survival curves of patients in different subgroups, and stepwise multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine significant prognostic factors. Differences were considered statistically significant at P<0.05. Results: Of the 55 patients, seven showed a partial response, 20 showed stable disease, and 28 showed progressive disease. The median progression-free survival was 17.9 months. AEs were controllable. Univariate analysis identified biotherapy, clinical stage, clinical classification, low baseline platelet count, platelet to albumin ratio (PAR), and platelet to globulin ratio (PGR) as factors affecting drug efficacy. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified clinical stage and PAR as independent factors predicting the efficacy of the regimen. Conclusions: Endostar combined with chemotherapy showed a curative effect on metastatic MM without gene mutations, and AEs were controllable. The baseline platelet count and derived PAR and PGR values were associated with the efficacy of the regimen. The potential value of efficacy prediction remains to be further verified by prospective random experiments.