Host-related indexes in head and neck cancer

Abstract

Purpose of review: Peripheral blood host-related indexes have been widely studied in cancer patients. Several authors have shown the prognostic capacity of these indexes in head and neck cancer. Therefore, there has been an increasing interest in this topic recently.

Recent findings: The main variables analyzed and used to create these host-related indexes are peripheral blood leukocytes - including neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes - albumin and hemoglobin levels. Other factors with proven prognostic capacity in some studies are: platelets, C-reactive protein, and BMI. Among all the combined indexes, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio has been the most accepted and used worldwide. Nonetheless, there are other indexes which group multiple of these factors that have shown better prognostic capacity, and are promising in the near future.

Summary: Host-related indexes are ideal biomarkers to be used on our daily-basis. There is enough evidence to start considering them when assessing patients with head and neck cancer.