Determining the Association of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio with Clinicopathological Features in Breast Cancer

Background: Breast cancer heterogeneity is caused by several factors, including patient characteristics, co-morbidities, histology, immunochemistry, and molecular type of the disease, resulting in a diverse set of therapeutic options. Despite breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, breast cancer remains the leading cause of death in women in Pakistan. Several studies have shown that chronic inflammatory conditions have a role in the evolution of malignancy; these factors also stimulate growth, resulting in a bad prognosis.

Aim: The purpose of this study is to examine the peripheral blood neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in breast cancer and its relationship to disease features.

Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out at Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan. The criteria were met by a total of 2059 female breast cancer patients. Preoperatively, the patients were advised to have a full blood count with leukocyte differential. Preoperatively, complete patient data, including specimen-related histopathology reports, were gathered. Patients with clinical evidence of active infection/sepsis, any blood problems, any past or continuing inflammatory or autoimmune diseases, or steroid medication were excluded.

Results: There was no correlation between the NLR and age, grade, or luminal subtypes. NLR, on the other hand, demonstrated a substantial relationship with the size and stage of the disease. The stage progressed as NLR rose.

Conclusion: The study indicates the use of the NLR ratio, which could be employed as a diagnostic adjunct in the preoperative workup of patients with breast cancer in the future.