Validation of Neutrophil Count as An Algorithm-Based Predictive Factor of Progression-Free Survival in Patients with Metastatic Soft Tissue Sarcomas Treated with Trabectedin

Introduction: Based on a mathematical model of trabectedin-induced neutropenia, we assessed the predictive value of absolute neutrophil count (ANC) on progression-free survival (PFS) in an independent validation cohort of patients treated with trabectedin. Methods: We collected data from 87 patients in two expert centers who received at least two cycles of trabectedin for soft tissue sarcomas (STS) treatment. Correlations between ANC, patients’ characteristics, and survival were assessed, and a multivariate model including tumor grade, performance status, ANC, and hemoglobin level was developed. Results: Therapeutic ANC ≥ 7.5 G/L level was associated with shorter PFS: 3.22 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.57–4.87) in patients with ANC ≥ 7.5 G/L vs. 5.78 months (95% CI, 3.95–7.61) in patients with ANC < 7.5 G/L (p = 0.009). Age, primary localization, lung metastases, dose reduction, hemoglobin, and albumin rates were also associated with PFS. In multivariate analysis, ANC ≥ 7.5 G/L was independently associated with poor PFS and overall survival. Conclusion: We validated increased pre-therapeutic ANC as a predictive factor of short PFS in patients starting trabectedin for STS. ANC appears to have an impact on survival rates and may be used as a decision-making tool for personalizing second-line strategies in patients with metastatic STS.