Association of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with severe radiation-induced mucositis in pharyngeal or laryngeal cancer patients: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a marker of systemic inflammation that informs clinical decisions regarding recurrence and overall survival in most epithelial cancers. Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer leads to mucositis in almost all patients and severe radiation-mucositis affects their quality of life (QOL). However, little is known about the NLR for severe mucositis. Therefore, this study aimed to show the association between the NLR and severe radiation-induced mucositis in hypopharyngeal or laryngeal cancer patients. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we determined the incidence of grade 3 mucositis in 99 patients who were receiving definitive radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for hypopharyngeal or laryngeal cancer. We performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to investigate the characteristics of grade 3 mucositis. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests were used to evaluate the occurrence of grade 3 mucositis between two groups with high (NLR > 5) or low (NLR < 5) systemic inflammation. RESULTS: The incidence of grade 3 mucositis was 39%. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that the NLR (Odd ratio [OR] = 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-1.16; p = 0.016) and smoking (OR = 1.02; 95% CI = 1.00-1.03; p = 0.048) were significantly associated with grade 3 mucositis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the NLR was independently associated with grade 3 mucositis (OR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.01-1.17; p = 0.021). Kaplan-Meier curves also showed that patients with higher NLR (NLR > 5) prior to radiotherapy developed grade 3 mucositis more frequently than those with lower NLR during radiotherapy (p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that a higher NLR is a risk factor and predictor of severe radiation-induced mucositis in hypopharyngeal or laryngeal cancer patients.

Risk factors associated with the development of aspiration pneumonia in patients receiving radiotherapy for head and neck cancer: retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with head and neck cancer who are receiving radiotherapy can develop aspiration pneumonia. Determination of the incidence of aspiration pneumonia and the associated risk factors could facilitate the identification of high-risk patients. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we determined the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in 357 patients receiving radiotherapy along with oral care for head and neck cancer. We also performed univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses to investigate the risk factors for this complication. RESULTS: The incidence of aspiration pneumonia was 17.6%. Hypopharyngeal cancer, grade 3 oral mucositis, and nasogastric tube feeding were independent risk factors. Moreover, the development of aspiration pneumonia was one of the major effects on the discontinuation of radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Approximately, one-sixth of the patients developed aspiration pneumonia despite appropriate oral care during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Aspiration pneumonia during radiotherapy could adversely affect head and neck cancer management.