How do cytokines help in the diagnosis of cancer diseases?
June 28 , 2024
Cytokines are a general term for a class of small molecule polypeptides or glycoproteins with extensive biological activity synthesized and secreted by immune cells or some non-immune cells, which have the functions of regulating the body's immune function, mediating inflammatory responses, participating in tissue repair, and promoting wound healing. In the development of tumor diseases, cytokines are closely related to the immune status, disease progression, and prognosis of patients.
Cytokines play a vital role in the tumor microenvironment, and they serve as bridges between cells to communicate with each other. Some cytokines are able to boost the body's natural defense response to tumors, but at the same time, many cytokines can be overproduced or dysfunctional in the cancer state. Therefore, there is a strong case to support the use of cytokines and their inhibitors in cancer treatment strategies to modulate these key mediators and restore their normal function, thereby fighting tumors more effectively.
Clinical application of cytokines in tumors
Cytokines are important mediators that mediate anti-tumor cell immune responses and tumor immunosuppression, and cytokine level monitoring should cover a variety of types involved in different biological processes, including immune activators such as IL-2, IL-12, IFN-γ, etc., immunosuppressive factors such as IL-10, TGF-β, IL-8, etc., pro-tumor factors such as IL-6, IL-8, and pro-inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, etc.
Application of cytokines in the early detection of gastric cancer
Studies have shown that IL-6 shows the best diagnostic value in distinguishing between healthy controls and gastric cancer groups, with an AUC of 0.92. When CEA, CA724, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were analyzed together, the AUC that differentiated between the healthy control group and the gastric cancer group reached 0.95. For early and advanced gastric cancer, the AUC was 0.95, respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity was 89.66%, 84.21% and 92.31%, and the specificity was 92.42%, 90.91% and 90.91%, respectively. A diagnostic model including CEA, CA724, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α was established, which may provide a potential adjunct to the early screening of gastric cancer.
Recommended testing population and timing
Patients with de novo tumors: pre- and post-treatment surveillance
Oncology inpatients: basic monitoring of admission
Patients treated with CAR-T/PD-1/PD-L1: Within 14 days after treatment, tumor patients treated with chemoradiotherapy, anti-infection, and surgery were monitored daily before and after treatment, and patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy were tested once per course of treatment
Patients with tumors and inflammation: monitored once a day
Patients with de novo tumors: pre- and post-treatment surveillance
Oncology inpatients: basic monitoring of admission
Patients treated with CAR-T/PD-1/PD-L1: Within 14 days after treatment, tumor patients treated with chemoradiotherapy, anti-infection, and surgery were monitored daily before and after treatment, and patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy were tested once per course of treatment
Patients with tumors and inflammation: monitored once a day