The Assessment of Serum Cytokines in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients: An Observational Prospective Controlled Study

Background: The oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex interweb of cells and mediators balancing carcinogenesis, inflammation, and the immune response. However, cytokines are not only secreted within the TME but also released by a variety of other cells that do not comprise the TME; therefore, a thorough assessment of humoral changes in OSCC should include the measurement of serum cytokines. Methods: We assessed the role of various serum cytokines in the evolution of OSCC, before and after treatment, versus a control group. We measured the serum concentrations of MIP-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-alpha. Results: Significantly higher values (p < 0.01) were noted for IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-alpha in the OSCC group before treatment (n = 13) compared with the control group (n = 14), and the increased concentrations persisted after treatment (n = 11). Furthermore, the variations in the values of MIP-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-10, and TNF-alpha are correlated both before and after treatment (p < 0.01). In the pretherapeutic group, IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations also correlate with IL-1 beta and IL-10 serum levels (p < 0.01), while in the posttherapeutic group, IL-4 varies with MIP-1 alpha and TNF-alpha (p < 0.01). Conclusion: In OSCC patients, serum cytokine levels are significantly higher compared with control, but they are not significantly altered by treatment, therefore implying that they are also influenced by systemic factors. The interactions between all involved cytokines and the various pathways they regulate warrant further studies to clarify their definitive roles.

Automated summary

Serum cytokine levels in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients are significantly higher compared with control, and they are not significantly altered by treatment, implying that they are also influenced by systemic factors. Further studies are needed to clarify the interactions between the involved cytokines and the pathways they regulate.