Clinical Correlations between Serological Markers and Endometrial Cancer

Abstract

Background: Endometrial cancer is associated with changes in blood cell counts and with high levels of inflammatory markers, thus reflecting the tumor’s impact on various biological processes and suggesting their potential as biomarkers for endometrial cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio in peripheral blood sampled preoperatively from patients have been reported to be independently associated with the prognosis of different types of malignancies. Objectives: This study aimed to compare several blood markers—red blood cells, white blood cells, platelet parameters, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen—in patients with benign or malignant endometrial tumors. Material and methods: Our retrospective study included 670 patients (192 diagnosed with endometrial cancer and 478 with endometrial hyperplasia), and we compared the serological parameters discussed above with those sampled the day before surgery. Results: Analysis of complete blood count indices revealed no significant differences in red blood cell or total white blood cell parameters between the endometrial cancer group and the endometrial hyperplasia group. However, a distinct pattern emerged in the white blood cell differential. The endometrial cancer group showed a statistically significant decrease in lymphocyte count compared with the endometrial hyperplasia group. In contrast, the endometrial cancer group showed significantly higher mean platelet counts and increased mean platelet volume compared with controls. Furthermore, the endometrial cancer group demonstrated a marked inflammatory response, as evidenced by significantly elevated levels of C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio compared with the endometrial hyperplasia group. Conclusions: The current research revealed statistically significant differences in multiple serological biomarkers between the two groups. These findings support the initial hypothesis regarding the potential utility of these biomarkers in endometrial cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response, highlighting the existence of biomarkers affordable for analysis under any health system, regardless of the country’s level of development.