Search

INTRODUCTION: Systemic inflammation has long been associated with poor outcomes in many types of solid tumors. Peripheral blood biomarkers, such as absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and the ratio of absolute neutrophil count to absolute lymphocyte count (ANC/ALC), have been shown to be immune-inflammatory parameters highlighting an individual's immune status. The prognostic role of ALC and ANC/ALC on overall survival (OS) was examined in patients with advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) receiving pembrolizumab. Of a total of 239 patients, 52% were male, with a median age of 67 years (interquartile range [IQR], 59-73). Most patients had a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma (76%), with stage IV disease (82%). PD-L1 expression was >50% in 44% of the patients. The median time on treatment with pembrolizumab was 5.8 months (IQR, 2.9-12.7). An ANC/ALC 1.4 deciliter (dL) trended toward improved OS compared with ALC An ANC/ALC KEYWORDS: pembrolizumab; non-small cell lung cancer; absolute lymphocyte count; absolute neutrophil count to absolute lymphocyte count ratio; immunotherapy; peripheral blood counts; anti-PD-1, Introduction Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths, both in the United States and internationally. (1,2) Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 80% to 85% [...]