Serum levels of interleukin 6 in patients with lung cancer

Br J Cancer. 1995 May;71(5):1095-8. doi: 10.1038/bjc.1995.212.

Abstract

Serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were measured in 75 patients with lung cancer and in 20 patients with benign lung diseases. IL-6 was detectable in 29 patients with lung cancer (39%), but was not detectable in any of the patients with benign lung diseases. Serum C-reactive protein levels and plasma fibrinogen levels were significantly higher and serum albumin concentration was significantly lower in lung cancer patients with detectable serum IL-6 levels than in those without detectable serum IL-6 levels and in patients with benign lung diseases. On the other hand, no significant difference was observed in blood platelet counts in these three groups. Moreover, serum IL-6 levels were not significantly different in lung cancer patients with or without clinically demonstrated distant metastasis. These results suggest that IL-6 may be a mediator of various reactions including an inflammatory response in lung cancer patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • C-Reactive Protein / metabolism
  • Female
  • Fibrinogen / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6 / blood*
  • Lung Diseases / blood
  • Lung Neoplasms / blood*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Platelet Count
  • Serum Albumin / metabolism

Substances

  • Interleukin-6
  • Serum Albumin
  • Fibrinogen
  • C-Reactive Protein