The influence of lymphocyte to monocyte ratio on the postoperative outcome of patients diagnosed with advanced stage ovarian cancer

Abstract

Introduction: the lymphocyte to monocyte ratio has been widely investigated in patients with different malignancies and proved to have prognostic value for both early and long-term evolution. Aim: Current paper investigates the influence of this parameter on the perioperative course of patients submitted to surgery for advanced stage ovarian cancer. Material and methods: between 2016-2018 there were 34 patients diagnosed with advanced stage ovarian cancer who were submitted to surgery with curative intent and in whom this parameter was evaluated. Results: a low rate of this parameter seemed to be significantly associated with a more advanced stage at diagnostic (p=0,002), with higher risk of the presence of lymph node metastases (p=0,003), with larger residual tumor (p=0,002). Meanwhile, patients with a lower lymphocyte to monocyte ratio usually had a higher level of CA 125, but this fact did not have statistical significance (p=0,87). Conclusions: patients with a lower lymphocyte to monocyte rate are expected to present more aggressive ovarian tumors and therefore a personalized therapeutic strategy might be needed.