Relationship between circulating cytokine levels and physical or psychological functioning in patients with advanced cancer

Clin Biochem. 2012 Feb;45(3):207-11. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2011.09.007. Epub 2011 Sep 21.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relation between functional impairments of cancer patients and circulating cytokines using a multiplex technique.

Design and methods: 50 patients with cancer were assessed using the quality of life (QOL) questionnaire. 27 plasma cytokine levels were determined by using the Bio-Plex array system. The relation to QOL scores was assessed using Chi-square test for categorical variables and univariate linear regression analysis for cytokine levels.

Results: Multivariate analysis showed that interleukin-6 (IL-6) level is a significant independent determinant of physical (β=-0.238, P=0.0126) and cognitive functioning (β=-0.462, P=0.0006) and that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level is a significant independent determinant of emotional functioning (β=-0.414, P=0.039).

Conclusion: This study, in which 27 cytokines are simultaneously tested with cutting edge technology, demonstrates that plasma IL-6 and VEGF are significant independent determinants of functional impairments in patients with cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cognition
  • Cytokines / blood*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Neoplasms / blood*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Cytokines