Value of LMR in predicting the efficacy of first-line chemotherapy and prognosis for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer

ObjectiveTo investigate the value of immune-inflammation index lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) in predicting the efficacy of first-line chemotherapy and also the prognosis in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC).

MethodsThe clinical data of ES-SCLC patients eligible for the inclusion criteria of this study were retrospectively collected.The LMR value were calculated, and the optimal cut-off value was selected based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.The patients were then divided into high- and low-LMR groups.The efficacy and progression-free survival (PFS) of first-line chemotherapy, and overall survival (OS) of patients in high- and low-LMR groups were finally analyzed.

ResultsA total of 50 patients with ES-SCLC were included and divided into high- and low-LMR groups.Analyses of clinical characteristics showed that baseline LMR was associated with hypoproteinemia and bone metastasis(P < 0.05).The objective response rates were 68.2% and 35.7%, and the disease control rates were 90.9% and 82.1%, in patients in high- and low-LMR groups, respectively.Better efficacy of first-line chemotherapy can be achieved in patients with higher baseline LMR (P < 0.05).The median PFS in the high- and low-LMR groups were 9.0 and 5.8 months, and the median OS were 18.5 and 9.7 months, respectively.The Cox regression analyses results showed that LMR is an independent predictor of both PFS and OS in ES-SCLC patients treated with first-line chemotherapy(P < 0.05 to P < 0.01).

ConclusionsLMR has the potential to sever as a new predictor of the treatment response of first-line chemotherapy and prognosis for patients with ES-SCLC, and the population with low LMR value tend to demonstrate poor efficacy and prognosis.