Relationship between NLR and penile squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Abstract Objective We conducted this study to summarize the results of studies reporting the role of NLR (neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio) in PSCC (penile squamous cell carcinoma). Methods This meta-analysis was conducted using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) criteria. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and web of science up to March 10, 2023. Fourteen studies were included in the review. The NOS (Newcastle–Ottawa Scale) was used to determine the quality of the included studies. This meta-analysis was conducted on the studies reporting the relationship between NLR and survival using HR (hazard ratio) and 95% CI (confidence interval). Results There was a significant association between NLR levels and the prognosis, nodal stage, and anatomical tumor stage of PSCC patients. In the meta-analysis of the association of NLR with survival, NLR level was significantly associated with lower cancer-specific survival (HR = 3.51, 95% CI = 2.07–5.98, p < 0.001) and lower disease-free survival (HR = 2.88, 95% CI = 1.60–5.20, p < 0.001). However, NLR was found to have no association with the stage, grade, location, and size of the tumor. Conclusion NLR has a significant diagnostic and prognostic value in PSCC.

Keywords

• Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio
• NLR
• Penile squamous cell carcinoma
• Systematic review
• Meta-analysis