Investigating the utility of serum cytokine measurements in a multi-institutional cancer anorexia/weight loss trial

Aminah Jatoi, James Egner, Charles L. Loprinzi, Jeff A. Sloan, Paul J. Novotny, Shaker R. Dakhil, James A. Mailliard, George G. Klee, James E. Krook

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been implicated in the cancer anorexia/weight loss syndrome. However, previous smaller studies have yielded conflicting results as to whether circulating, serum concentrations of these cytokines are in fact elevated. As the translational component of a large multi-institutional trial, this study assessed the clinical value of serum concentrations of these cytokines in patients with this syndrome. Methods: Patients with incurable cancer with anorexia and/or weight loss were eligible. All underwent weekly weight measurements and appetite assessment for the first month and then monthly assessments thereafter. Serum was obtained at baseline and at 1 month, and all three cytokines were measured with the Immunolite assay. Results: A total of 118 patients participated. At baseline, 99%, 54%, and 47% of patients' samples had undetectable IL-1β, TNFα, and IL-6, respectively. Similar results were obtained at 1 month. No correlations were observed between serum cytokine concentrations and changes in weight or appetite. Baseline serum IL-6 predicted a diminished survival but only after adjustment for age and cancer site. Conclusion: Serum concentrations of IL-1β, TNFα, and IL-6, as measured in this study, provide data of limited clinical value for patients with the cancer anorexia/weight loss syndrome.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)640-644
Number of pages5
JournalSupportive Care in Cancer
Volume12
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2004

Keywords

  • Cancer anorexia/weight loss syndrome
  • Cytokines
  • Interleukin-1 beta
  • Interleukin-6
  • Tumor necrosis factor alpha

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology

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