Lymphocyte nadir predicts tumor response and survival in locally advanced rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: Immunologic relevance

Background and purpose Neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) could reduce tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. We examined absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) nadir during nCRT, pathologic response and prognosis for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Materials and methods 102 patients with LARC (cT3–4N0, or node-positive) treated between 2010 and 2015 with nCRT followed by complete resection were analyzed. The ALC value was obtained prior to, weekly...