The association between treatment-related lymphopenia and survival in newly diagnosed patients with resected adenocarcinoma of the pancreas

Cancer Invest. 2012 Oct;30(8):571-6. doi: 10.3109/07357907.2012.700987. Epub 2012 Jul 19.

Abstract

Fifty-three patients with resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma were studied to determine if adjuvant chemo-radiation causes severe lymphopenia and if this is associated with adverse outcomes. Total lymphocyte counts (TLC) were normal in 91% before adjuvant chemo-radiation. Two months later, TLC fell by 63% (p < .0001) with 45% of patients having TLC < 500 cells/mm(3). Median survival in patients with low TLC was 14 versus 20 months (p = .048). Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between treatment related lymphopenia and survival (HR 2.2, p = .014). Adjuvant chemo-radiation induced lymphopenia is frequent, severe, and an independent predictor for survival in patients with resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / complications*
  • Adenocarcinoma / mortality*
  • Adenocarcinoma / therapy
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant / adverse effects
  • Combined Modality Therapy / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Count
  • Lymphopenia / chemically induced*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / complications*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / mortality*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / therapy
  • Radiation Injuries*
  • Radiotherapy, Adjuvant / adverse effects