Derived Neutrophils to Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Survival Benefit from TPF Induction Chemotherapy in Local Advanced Oral Squamous Cellular Carcinoma.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the derived neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (dNLR) in predicting the prognosis of patients with locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (LAOSCC) and to assess the survival benefits from docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (TPF) induction chemotherapy (IC).

Methods: Patients from a phase III trial involving TPF IC in stage III/IVA OSCC patients (NCT01542931) were enrolled. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed, and the area under the curve was computed to determine dNLR cutoff points. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and Cox proportional hazards models were used for longitudinal analysis.

Results: A total of 224 patients were identified (median age: 55.4 years; range: 26 to 75 years; median follow-up: 90 months; range: 3.2 to 93 months). The cutoff point for the dNLR was 1.555. Multivariate analysis showed that the dNLR was an independent negative predictive factor for survival (overall survival (OS): hazard ratio (HR) = 1.154, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.018-1.309, = 0.025; disease-free survival (DFS): HR = 1.123, 95% CI: 1.000-1.260, = 0.050; local recurrence-free survival (LRFS): HR = 1.134, 95% CI: 1.002-1.283, = 0.047; distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS): HR = 1.146, 95% CI: 1.010-1.300, = 0.035). A low dNLR combined with cTNM stage III disease predicted benefit from TPF IC for the patients [OS (χ = 4.674, = 0.031), DFS (χ = 7.134, = 0.008), LRFS (χ = 5.937, = 0.015), and DMFS (χ = 4.832, = 0.028)].

Conclusions: The dNLR is an independent negative predictive factor in LAOSCC patients. Patients with cTNM stage III disease and a low dNLR can benefit from TPF IC.