Preoperative Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Neutrophilia Are Independent Predictors of Recurrence in Patients with Localized Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) in patients' prognosis with localized papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC). METHODS: Data from 218 localized pRCC patients (T1-3 N0/+ M0), operated between 1991 and 2011 at two centers, were evaluated retrospectively. Univariable and multivariable analyses using the Cox regression model were performed to determine the associations of NLR and ANC with recurrence-free survival (RFS). Prognostic accuracy was evaluated with the Harrell concordance index. RESULTS: The 5-year RFS rate was 87.0%. Multivariable analysis identified increased NLR (≥3.6) and ANC (≥5300/μL) as independent prognostic factors for RFS (hazard ratio (HR) = 4.01, P = 0.018) and (HR = 4.71, P = 0.045). The final model built by the addition of NLR or ANC improved predictive accuracy (c-index: 0.824, 0.842) compared with the clinicopathological base model (c-index: 0.800), which included TNM stage and tumor necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The NLR and ANC appear to be independent prognostic factors for RFS after surgery for localized pRCC. They significantly increase the accuracy of established prognostic factors. Therefore, we recommend adding NLR and ANC to traditional prognostic model, which may improve its predictive accuracy.