Prognostic significance of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in patients with gallbladder carcinoma

Background Numerous literature suggest that the preoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is correlated to the prognosis of various cancers. However, the prognostic significance of NLR in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) remains to be determined. Methods Data from 316 GBC patients with surgical treatment were reviewed retrospectively. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to determine an optimal cut-off value for NLR. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression proportional hazard model were performed to evaluate prognostic factors. Results The optimal cut-off point for NLR was 2.61 according to the ROC curve. According to the univariable analysis, NLR, differentiation and TNM stage were associated with GBC prognosis. GBC patients with NLR > 2.61 have worsened 5-year overall survival (OS) compared to patients with NLR ≤ 2.61 (P < 0.001). Multiple analyses indicated that NLR (hazard ratio (HR) 1.65; 95 percent confidence interval (95% CI) 1.25–2.17), differentiation (HR 1.25; 95% CI 0.97–1.62) and TNM stage (HR 3.79; 95% CI 2.09–6.87) were independent prognostic factors for GBC. GBC patients in stage III/IV, NLR > 2.61 exhibited worse OS compared to patients with NLR ≤ 2.61 (P < 0.05). A prognostic evaluation model based on the independent prognostic factors was established. Conclusion NLR is associated with GBC prognosis and is a potential prognostic marker for GBC, not only preoperatively but also postoperatively.