Prognostic value of hemoglobin to red blood cell distribution width ratio in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a retrospective study

Abstract

Abstract Background Previous studies have identified the hemoglobin (Hb) to red blood cell distribution width (RDW) ratio (HRR) is associated with the prognosis of a variety of malignant tumors. However, the relationship between HRR and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) prognosis remains unexplored. This study aims to ascertain the prognostic significance of HRR in PDAC patients. Methods In a retrospective analysis, 128 PDAC patients undergoing initial surgical resection at Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital between January 2016 and September 2021 were included. Based on receiver operating characteristic curve-derived cut-off values, participants were categorized into low and high HRR groups. The correlation between HRR and patient prognosis was subsequently examined. Results Significant disparities in age, Hb levels, RDW, tumor locality, surgical intervention, and postoperative chemotherapy were observed between the two groups (P < 0.05). Notably, the low HRR cohort exhibited inferior disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates (P = 0.002 for both). Univariate analysis indicated that male gender, adjacent tissue invasion, TNM stages III/IV, non-O blood types, low HRR, and lack of postoperative chemotherapy were linked to adverse DFS and OS outcomes (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis further delineated low HRR as an independent predictor of poor DFS and OS outcomes (HR: 1.520, 95% CI: 1.028–2.247, P = 0.036; HR: 1.537, 95% CI: 1.034–2.284, P = 0.034, respectively). Conclusion Our findings suggest that a lower HRR is indicative of poorer DFS and OS in PDAC patients, underscoring its potential utility as a prognostic biomarker for this population.

Keywords

• Hemoglobin to red blood cell distribution width ratio
• Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
• Prognosis