Elevated peripheral absolute monocyte count related to clinicopathological features and poor prognosis in solid tumors: Systematic review, meta‐analysis, and meta‐regression

Background Absolute monocyte count (AMC) is often used to be assessed in cancer follow‐up, which has regained interest as a potential prognostic indicator in many solid tumors, though not consistently or comprehensively. In the present study, we set out to perform a comprehensive meta‐analysis of all available data regarding the prognostic significance of AMC in solid tumors. We also evaluated the association between AMC and clinical features in solid tumors. Methods A hazard ratio (HR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) or a p value (p) from eligible studies were extracted and subsequently pooled analyzed. Subgroup analyses and meta‐regression analyses were conducted according to the confounders of included studies. In addition, the relationships between AMC and clinical characteristics were also explored in the meta‐analysis. Results Overall, ninety‐three articles comprising 104 studies with 32229 patients were finally included. The results showed that elevated AMC was associated with worse overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.615; 95% CI: 1.475‐1.768; p
Elevated AMC indicates poor long‐term outcomes in solid tumors, which could be applied in the prognosis assessment.