Preoperative neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio is an independent prognostic biomarker in patients with low-grade gliomas

Abstract Background There are no standardized criteria to predict the prognosis of patients with low-grade gliomas. Therefore, novel prognostic biomarkers that can guide follow-up schedules and therapeutic approaches are urgently required in patients with low-grade gliomas. Methods One hundred and nineteen patients with World Health Organization (WHO) II gliomas were recruited between January 2010 and December 2016 from Xiangya Hospital for this study. We collected neutrophil and lymphocyte values from the full blood counts measured 24 h before surgery. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (NLRs) were then calculated. The significance of the NLR was determined based on a nonparametric test. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate survival rates. The influence of the NLR on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was evaluated using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. Results Preoperative NLRs were upregulated in patients with WHO II gliomas who relapsed or died. Preoperative NLRs were also significantly correlated with age, preoperative neutrophil values, and preoperative lymphocyte values. Compared with the low preoperative NLR group, patients with WHO II gliomas in the high preoperative NLR group had significantly higher relapse and lower survival rates. Additionally, the preoperative NLR and tumor type were independent prognostic parameters of PFS for WHO II gliomas, while only the preoperative NLR was an independent prognostic parameter of OS for WHO II gliomas. Conclusions High preoperative NLRs were significantly associated with greater relapse and poor prognosis in patients with WHO II gliomas.