Influence of CA125, platelet count and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio on the immune system of ovarian cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of CA125, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and thrombocytosis on survival has been studied in ovarian cancer. This study explores the link between these variables and serum markers of ovarian cancer patients, such as signaling proteins and cytokines. METHODS: Serum samples of 39 patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) were collected at diagnosis and were retrospectively analysed for clinical characteristics, clinical parameters (NLR, CA125, platelet count) and immune profile [IL-4 (interleukin), IL-10, IL-13, IL-17, transforming growth factor-ß, Arginase-1, Interferon gamma), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), galectin-1 and chemokine (C-C) motif ligand 2. RESULTS: CA125 correlates negatively with VEGF (p = 0.02) and if CA125 rises above 500 kU/L, IL-10 is significantly increased (p = 0.01). NLR > 6 (p < 0.01) was significantly correlated with decreased overall survival. Thrombocytosis was significantly correlated with IL-10 (p < 0.01) and a platelet count > 400 × 109/l led to an improvement in progression free survival (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A correlation, at the time of diagnosis, of HGSOC between CA125, NLR and thrombocytes and an immunosuppressive cytokine-profile in serum is shown, and correlates with survival.