Age at diagnosis, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio as prognoticators in pediatric sinonasal rhabdomyosarcoma

Background: The relationship between pretreatment blood parameters and clinical outcomes of patients with pediatric sinonasal rhabdomyosarcomas has not been described. The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic factors and certain laboratory parameters that affect the survival and long-term survival in pediatric sinonasal rhabdomyosarcoma. Methods: Medical records of pediatric sinonasal rhabdomyosarcoma cases who were treated and followed up between 2004 and 2020 in Hacettepe University were retrospectively reviewed. The relationship between clinical features, laboratory parameters and survival was investigated. Results: Age at the time of diagnosis, pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) had significant effect on survival (p < 0,004, p < 0,037, p < 0,016, respectively). Survival rate was higher in patients younger than 10 (<= 10 years of age) at the time of diagnosis (p = 0,004), patients with a NLR of 2 or below (<= 2) (p = 0,037), and patients with a PLR of 150 or below (<= 150) (p = 0,016). <= 10 years of age at the time of diagnosis was found as an independent prognostic factor affecting survival (hazard ratio [HR], 5382; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1476- 19,623; P = 0,011). In addition, a pretreatment PLR of 150 or below (<= 150) was found as another independent prognostic factor that affects survival (hazard ratio [HR], 4386; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1161- 16,567; P = 0,029). Conclusions: Preoperative NLR and PLR may be important parameters to predict the prognosis of pediatric sinonasal rhabdomyosarcoma. Further research with larger patient groups are warranted.