Unveiling the Diagnostic Potential of Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and HALP Score in Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer: A Step Toward Early Detection.

Abstract

Objective: Breast cancer (BC) is a global concern due to its high incidence worldwide. The alarming increase in BC cases highlights the need for careful management of the disease at multiple levels. This study investigated the diagnostic value of hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte and platelet counts (HALP score), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) in newly diagnosed BC patients.

Materials and methods: A total of 84 individuals, including 42 healthy volunteers (group I) and 42 patients newly diagnosed with BC (group II), were included. Serum albumin levels were determined using spectrophotometry. The levels of tumor-markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) in serum were analyzed by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Hemogram parameters were analyzed using fluorescence flow cytometry.

Results: The median PLR was significantly lower in group II than group I (p = 0.014). There were no statistical differences in HALP score, NLR, LMR, and prognostic nutrition index between the two groups (p = 0.133, p = 0.993, p = 0.591, and p = 0.294, respectively). The sensitivity and specificity of PLR in predicting BC were 61.90% and 64.29%, respectively, with an area under the curve of 0.665 (p = 0.009, 95% confidence interval: 0.5480 to 0.7819, cut-off value ≤124). PLR, CEA and CA 15-3 were independent risk factors for BC (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that PLR may serve as a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis of BC; however, further validation is required. Conversely, the HALP score and other parameters did not demonstrate a significant association with early BC diagnosis. These results warrant corroboration through regional and community-based studies.