The Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio has Little Impact on Survival in Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Followed by Surgery

Background: The impact of the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on the survival outcomes of patients with early-stage breast cancer is controversial. Methods: We reviewed a series of 115 breast cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgical treatment. The NLR was calculated using a blood sample obtained before neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The relationships of disease-free survival with the NLR as well as other clinicopathological factors were assessed.Results: There was no significant association between the NLR and disease-free survival in these patients. On the other hand, negative estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor statuses, extended nodal involvement, and advanced TNM stage were significant predictors of shorter disease-free survival.Conclusions: The NLR has little impact on the survival of early-stage breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgical treatment.