Prognostic significance of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in patients with curative resection of esophageal cancer. A single center experience.

Aim: In this study, we aimed to determine the clinical value and prognostic significance of the Neutrophil / Lymphocyte Ratio in patients undergoing curative surgery due to esophageal cancer.

Material And Method: Patients who underwent curative resection for esophageal cancer between 2015-2019 were included in the study. Two groups, Group1 (low NLR) and Group2 (high NLR), were created. Demographic and clinical features, intraoperative and postoperative results, tumor characteristics and mean survival were compared in the groups.

Results: A total of 48 patients participated in our study. Group 1 consisted of 18 patients and Group 2 consisted of 30 patients. Male sex was dominant in both groups (66.7% vs 73.3%, p. 0.431). Preoperative CEA was higher in Group 2 (3.97 vs 9.57, p. 0.032). Tumor diameter was larger in Group2 (3.33 vs 5.40 cm, p. 0.000). Adenocarcinoma was higher in Group 2 (33% vs 53.3%, p. 0.047), while squamous cell carcinoma was higher in Group 1 (66.7% vs 33.3%, p. 0.047). Lymph node positivity was higher in Group 2 (66.7% vs 93.3%, p. 0.024). The anastomosis leak was higher in Group 2 (0% vs 20%, p. 0.048). Postoperative hospital stay was longer in Group 2 (13.27 vs 23.9 days, p. 0.009). 90-day readmission was higher in Group1 (33.3% vs 3.3%, p. 0.008). Survival duration was shorter in Group 2 (29 vs 15 months, p. 0.005).

Conclusion: This study revealed that preoperative high NLR was associated with poor survival, along with greater tumor diameter, increased lymph node metastasis rate, and increased anastomosis leakage in patients with esophageal cancer. These results suggest that modifying inflammatory responses and modulating the immune system may improve survival outcomes in patients with esophageal cancer.

Key Words: Esophagus cancer, Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, Preoperative neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, Prognosis.