open access: JTM - Absolute lymphocyte count is associated with survival in ovarian (SEROUS) cancer independent of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes

  lymphocytesplural of lym·pho·cyte

Noun:

A form of small leukocyte (white blood cell) with a single round nucleus, occurring esp. in the lymphatic system.

 Abstract (provisional)

Background

The immune system strongly influences outcome in patients with ovarian cancer. In particular, the absolute lymphocyte count in peripheral blood (ALC) and the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) have each been associated with favourable prognosis. However, the mechanistic relationships between ALC, TIL and prognosis are poorly understood. We hypothesized that high ALC values might be associated with stronger tumor immunity as manifested by increased TIL, decreased tumor burden and longer survival.

Conclusions

Patients with high intrinsic ALC values show no clinical or survival advantage upon subsequent development of HGSC. ALC values at diagnosis are prognostic due to an association with disease burden rather than TIL. Therapeutic enhancement of ALC may be necessary but not sufficient to improve survival in HGSC. 

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