The prognostic and predictive value of the lymphocyte to monocyte ratio in luminal-type breast cancer patients treated with CEF chemotherapy

Oncotarget. 2016 Jun 7;7(23):34881-9. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.8993.

Abstract

Several reports have suggested that peripheral blood-based parameters are associated with host immunity response, which is an essential component of the pathogenesis and progression of cancer. The purpose of the present study was to identify the prognostic significance of various peripheral blood-based biomarkers and to determine the optimal cut-off value suitable for luminal breast cancer patients. We found that lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) was significant prognostic predictors. And the patients with a CEF regimen and LMR ratio ≥ 5.2 gained a good prognosis. This study suggested that the LMR could be regarded as an independent prognostic factor in luminal breast cancer patients. The elevated LMR level also had enhanced 5-fluorouracil sensitivity in luminal breast cancer patients.

Keywords: 5-fluorouracil; breast cancer; lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio; prognostic factor.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / blood
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Cytarabine / therapeutic use
  • Doxorubicin / therapeutic use
  • Epirubicin / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Fluorouracil / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Count*
  • Lymphocytes / cytology*
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Middle Aged
  • Monocytes / cytology*
  • Prognosis
  • Taxoids / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Taxoids
  • Cytarabine
  • Epirubicin
  • Doxorubicin
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Fluorouracil

Supplementary concepts

  • CEF regimen
  • TAC protocol