Preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio is an independent prognostic factor for hepatocellular carcinoma after radical resection

Objective To evaluate the effect and predictive value of preoperative neutrophil- lymphocyte ratio( NLR) on the prognosis of patients undergoing radical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma( HCC). Methods The clinical data of 245 patients who received radical resection for HCC in our hospital from 2004 to 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. The effects of clinicopathological parameters including NLR on overall survival( OS) time were assessed by univariate analysis using the log- rank test. The significant variables were further analyzed by multivariate analysis using the Cox regression model. Results Using NLR = 1. 5,2,and 3 as cut- off points,the patients were divided into four groups. The median OS time in groups with NLR < 1. 5,1. 5≤NLR < 2,2≤NLR < 3,and NLR≥3 was 39. 6,38. 3,25. 4,and 19. 9 months,respectively( P = 0. 003). Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative NLR,levels of alpha- fetoprotein and alanine aminotransferase in peripheral blood,number of tumor nodules,maximum size of tumor,and portal vein tumor thrombus were independent prognostic factors for HCC( P < 0. 05). Conclusion Preoperative NLR in peripheral blood is a novel prognostic biomarker for HCC after radical resection.