Elevated neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio predicts survival in advanced pancreatic cancer

Background: Elevated neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is linked with worse survival in many malignancies, whereas its association with pancreatic cancer (PC) remains unclear. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 95 patients with locally advanced or metastatic PC receiving gemcitabine-based chemotherapy. The prognostic value of NLR was evaluated. Results: Elevated pretreatment NLR (>5) was observed in 16 out of 89 eligible patients, which was identified as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS). The median OS for patients with elevated and normal NLR were 2.4 months and 7.7 months, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Elevated NLR is a predictor of shorter survival in patients with advanced PC.