Publication:

Using platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio as a diagnostic marker in malignant ovarian tumors

Background Ovarian malignancy, is the fifth global fatal disease for women, and the most common cause of death in Gynecological cancer. Objective was to evaluate any diagnostic role of Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio in epithelial ovarian tumors.

Methods A prospective analysis, over 1 year; (October 2016 to October 2017).

Setting University hospital’s Gynaecological oncology centre. Subjects &

Methodology A total of 36 patients with epithelial ovarian tumors, not under any adjuvant therapy and negative for any other malignancy, or any blood diseases causing blood count changes. All subjects underwent preoperative assessment of CA125 and Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), followed by a staging laparotomy and the appropriate management according to the standard protocols. Postoperative histopathological confirmation of the disease type, stage and grade was done for all cases.

Results (77.8%) of the patients had early stage disease while (22.2%) had advanced stage. Neither mean platelet, lymphocytic counts, nor PLR express any significant difference between early and late stage disease. CA 125 levels, however changed significantly in advanced stages. PLR showed a statistically significant difference between the three stages of the disease (P=0.007).   There was a positive correlation between PLR and CA125 (r=0.184 and P=0.283).

Conclusions PLR rise significantly with tumor stages and correlates significantly with CA125. No significant change in PLR values with tumor type or grade. PLR might be a potential diagnostic / prognostic marker of ovarian epithelial cancer.