Objective: To observe the dynamic changes of cytokines pre- and postoperation in patients with carcinoma of the larynx and provide reference for recurrence monitor and prognosis evaluation in postoperative patients with head and neck tumor.
Method: Thirty-four patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were included in this study. Serum levels of IL-2, sIL-2R and TNF-alpha were measured before surgery, 7 days, 30 days and 90 days after surgery with ELISA and RIA.
Result: The serum levels of sIL-2R and TNF-alpha before surgery in patients with carcinoma of the larynx were significantly elevated compared with controls(P < 0.01), while the level of IL-2 was not different. Serum concentrations of sIL-2R and TNF-alpha in patients without recurrence found at 7 days after operation were slightly higher than those before operation, but there was not significant difference. Moreover, the levels of sIL-2R and TNF-alpha at 30 days and 90 days postoperation decreased gradually, especially the sIL-2R levels decreased more significantly. No statistical difference were found among serum IL-2 levels in non-recurrence patients. The serum levels of sIL-2R and TNF-alpha in patients with recurrence at 30 days after operation were lower than those before operation and increased at 90 days after operation, while the levels of IL-2 decreased gradually.
Conclusion: Dynamic study of the cytokines pre and postoperation play reference role in recurrence monitor and prognosis evaluation after the larynx carcinoma were removed.