Lymphocyte to Monocyte Ratio and Modified Glasgow Prognostic Score Predict Prognosis of Lung Adenocarcinoma Without Driver Mutation

Background Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) and modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS) are useful prognostic markers based on host-related systemic inflammatory response. They have been shown as independent prognostic biomarkers in various cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer. However, there has been little evidence for a specific population of pulmonary adenocarcinoma without active epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 159 patients who met the following criteria: histologically or cytologically diagnosed adenocarcinoma, confirmed wild-type EGFR, started first-line cytotoxic chemotherapy between July 2007 and March 2017 at our hospital, and c-stage IIIB or IV. We compared overall survival (OS) between dichotomized groups by the optimal cut-off points of NLR and LMR, and mGPS 0 - 1 vs. 2. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses also detected prognostic factors for OS. Results As favorable prognostic factors for OS, multivariate analysis detected Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) 0 - 1 (hazard ratio (HR) 3.43, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.12 - 5.53; P < 0.01), LMR ≥ 1.97 (HR 0.39, 95% CI: 0.21 - 0.72; P < 0.01) and mGPS 0 - 1 (HR 1.95, 95% CI: 1.20 - 3.16; P < 0.01). The OS of LMR ≥ 1.97 and mGPS 0 - 1 groups were significantly longer than those of LMR < 1.97 and mGPS 2 groups, respectively. We divided 159 patients into three groups, both LMR ≥ 1.97 and mGPS 0 - 1, either LMR ≥ 1.97 or mGPS 0 - 1 and both LMR < 1.97 and mGPS 2. The OS of both LMR < 1.97 and mGPS 2 was significantly shorter than the other two groups. After adjustment for age, sex, ECOG PS, sodium, alkaline phosphatase and NLR, multivariate analysis found both LMR < 1.97 and mGPS 2 as an independent poor prognostic combination in comparison with both LMR ≥ 1.97 and mGPS0-1 (HR 5.98, 95% CI: 2.64 - 13.5; P < 0.01). Conclusions LMR and mGPS are independent prognostic markers for pulmonary adenocarcinoma with wild-type EGFR. Combination of LMR and mGPS can stratify patients according to prognosis.