Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate the predictive value of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in determining progression and recurrence in non-muscle invasive bladder tumors (NMIBC).

Materials and Methods: The files of patients who underwent transurethral bladder tumor resection (TUR-BT) in our urology clinic between 2015 and 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 405 patients were included in the study. The patients were evaluated, and grouped in terms of disease progression, and recurrence observed during follow-up. Elevation of T stage of the disease, low grade tumor progressing to a high grade, and carcinoma in situ (CIS) negative cases advancing into CIS-positive stage were considered as evidence of disease progression.

Results: Fifty female, and 355 male patients were included in the study. The mean age of the study population was 64.9 ± 12.75 years. Disease recurrence was detected in 134, and disease progression in 136 out of 405 patients. The mean NLR value of the patients with relapse was 2.45 ± 2.75 (p=0.009). The mean NLRs of patients with, and without progression were 1.94 ± 1.67, and 2.04 ± 2.3, respectively (p=0.645).

Conclusion: High NLR value can predict recurrence in the follow-up of NMIBC patients. The preoperatively detected higher NLR value is a warning for the physician and draws attention to the need for more invasive and regular follow-up of the patient.

Keywords : non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, bladder carcinoma, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, recurrence, progression