Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio May Guide the Choice of Treatment in Metastatic Cancer Patients: Chemotherapy or Best Supportive Care

Abstract

Aim: We set out in this study to investigate whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a predictor in deciding whether to either continue palliative chemotherapy or choose the best supportive care (BSC) for advanced cancer patients. Methods: Those with advanced solid tumors who had died after palliative chemotherapy were included the study. The patients were divided into two groups based on the time between the beginning of their last chemotherapy regimen and death (DCD), at ≤ 60 or > 60 days. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was calculated using the laboratory values taken before the beginning of the last chemotherapy line. The determinant factors of ≤ 60-days DCD were examined by logistic regression analysis, and a statistical significance level of alpha was accepted as p