Preoperative neutrophil lymphocyte ratio but not platelet lymphocyte ratio predicts survival and early relapse in patients with oral, pharyngeal, and lip cancer.

Background To evaluate the prognostic value of preoperative neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in oral, pharyngeal, and lip cancer for survival and relapse. Methods Clinic-pathologic and hematological records were retrospectively retrieved. Patients completed follow-up period were included for survival and relapse analysis. Results The preoperative NLR value was a prognostic factor for both overall survival and relapse-free survival. The high NLR group demonstrated higher total relapse rate, higher local relapse rate, and higher relapse rate within 12 months. However, the preoperative PLR did not associate with survival or relapse. Conclusions The preoperative NLR, not PLR, is an independent prognostic indicator of survival. It also exhibits predictive value for relapse, particularly early relapse within 12 months. The preoperative NLR value might be recommended as a useful tool for predicting the outcomes and stratifying patients for different management strategies.