Prognostic value of lymphocyte-C-reactive protein ratio in patients with liver cancer: a meta-analysis.

Background

The impact of lymphocyte-C-reactive protein ratio (LCR) on clinical outcomes has been reported in liver cancer such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), but the results remain inconsistent.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library databases for relevant studies evaluating the association of LCR with survival outcomes and clinicopathological parameters.

Results

Eight studies with 4316 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Low LCR was significantly associated with poor overall survival, disease-free survival/relapse-free survival and disease progression clinicopathological parameters in patients with HCC or ICC.

Conclusion

Low pretreatment LCR was an adverse prognostic indicator in patients with HCC or ICC. In addition, it was correlated with clinicopathological parameters indicating a higher stage of malignancy.