Prognostic value of platelet-related measures for overall survival in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Platelet-related measures are considered important in predicting long-term outcomes in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We performed a systematic electronic research of studies evaluating the prognostic value of platelet-related measures in ESCC in Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase. Then, to synthesize publications exploring the association between platelet-related measures and survival outcomes in ESCC, a meta analysis was conducted using hazard ratio and 95 % confidence interval. In total, 14 retrospective articles were included in this study. Among them, 4 and 10 have evaluated the clinical impact of platelet count and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), respectively. Further, three studies reported about platelet distribution width (PDW) and mean platelet volume (MPV). Based on the synthesized results, high PLR was significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS). However, platelet count, PDW, and MPV were non-independent prognostic factors for OS. The Begg's funnel plots for PLR, PDW, and MPV indicated low publication bias.

Automated summary

Platelet-related measures are important predictors of long-term outcomes in ESCC patients. A meta-analysis of 14 retrospective articles found high PLR to be significantly associated with poor overall survival, while platelet count, PDW, and MPV were not independent prognostic factors. Begg's funnel plots indicated low publication bias for PLR, PDW, and MPV.