Evaluation of total cholesterol levels and neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio (NLR) in breast cancer patients and their relationship with tumor development

Abstract

Objective: Breast cancer is considered one of the most prevalent cancers among women worldwide with increasing number of new cases diagnosed globally. There are many factors can affect tumor development ; therefore, it is useful to study some of these factors especially the simple and affordable ones ,such as neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio (NLR) and total serum cholesterol, in order to use them as indicators for breast cancer progression. Methods: our study included 151 participants divided into two groups: 101 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and 50 healthy controls. Complete blood count(CBC) was conducted using auto hematology analyser Urit5160, while serum levels of total cholesterol were measured according to enzymatic method using Mindray analyser. Results: White blood cells( WBCs), neutrophils, NLR and serum levels of total cholesterol were significantly higher in breast cancer patients than controls. There was significant satistically correlation between NLR and tumor pathological characteristics(tumor size and lymph node metastasis).Also, there was significant correlation between total cholesterol and tumor size, lymph node metastasis and tumor grade. There was also correlation between elevated serum levels of total cholesterol and elevated NLR in patients group. Conclusions: Elevated serum cholesterol and NLR may be useful indicators for breast cancer progression and tumor aggressiveness.