Should the cut-off values of the lymphocyte to monocyte ratio for prediction of prognosis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma be changed in elderly patients?

Objectives A recent study suggested a prognostic role for the peripheral blood absolute lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR) at diagnosis of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Here, we investigated the significance of LMR in DLBCL patients in relation to advanced age. Methods We examined the prognostic impact of LMR in 603 DLBCL treated with rituximab plus CHOP, using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for optimal cut‐off values, and performed a subgroup analysis according to age. Results In elderly groups (age ≥ 70), absolute monocyte count was significantly increased, whereas LMR was significantly decreased compared to younger groups. Patients under 70 yr of age with LMR