A recent study published in the journal International Urology and Nephrology this month evaluates mean platelet volume-to-lymphocyte ratio (MPVLR) as a biomarker for survival in patients undergoing nephrectomy for non-metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

In the study, 344 patients with proven ccRCC that has not spread (non-metastatic) were treated with radical or partial nephrectomy. The patients were divided into two groups, with low and high MPVLR and their long-term survival compared. Patients with high MPVLR were older and had more advanced tumours with more tumour necrosis and higher stages. Subsequently, mortality in patients with high MPVLR was significantly higher than in patients with low MPVLR. High MPVLR (≥ 3.61) was independently associated with higher long-term overall mortality in non-metastatic ccRCC patients.

In conclusion, MPVLR is an easily obtainable prognostic marker for overall survival in patients with non-metastatic ccRCC patients treated with nephrectomy.

Read more in International Urology and Nephrology here