Elevated Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Correlates With Liver Metastases and Poor Immunotherapy Response in Stage IV Melanoma.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) has revolutionized treatment for metastasized melanoma, but many patients remain unresponsive. Concerning potential adverse events, reliable biomarkers to predict ICI response are needed. In this context, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and derived NLR (dNLR) have emerged. Liver metastases also limit ICI efficacy, correlating with diminished overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) and may siphon activated T cells from the systemic circulation, creating an 'immune desert state'. We evaluated the predictive role of NLR and dNLR for ICI response and the impact of liver metastases on systemic immunity and treatment efficacy.

Patients and methods

In this single-center retrospective study, we inclu

SUBMITTER: Foerster Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11811709 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature