Associations of lymphocyte percentage and red blood cell distribution width with risk of lung cancer

OBJECTIVE: There is ample evidence to indicate that inflammation is involved in tumorigenesis. Lymphocyte percentage (LYM%) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) are easily measured indicators of systemic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the associations between LYM% and RDW and the risk of lung cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 430 patients with lung cancer and 158 healthy individuals (control group). Twenty clinical characteristics were analyzed, including LYM% and RDW. Significant laboratory indices were determined by univariate analysis and logistic regression was conducted to identify independent predictors of lung cancer risk. RESULTS: Patients with lung cancer had significantly lower LYM% and higher RDW levels compared with healthy controls. LYM% and RDW were confirmed to be independent predictors of lung cancer risk. LYM% also differed significantly among different histological subtypes of lung cancer. CONCLUSION: A high risk of lung cancer was closely correlated with low LYM% and high RDW. LYM% and RDW are easily measured and may therefore aid the assessment and timely screening of lung cancer risk.