Proinflammatory Cytokine Profile in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients: Preliminary Report

Abstract

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common malignant neoplasms globally. Tobacco and alcohol use are predominant risk factors. Inflammation plays a major role in the etiopathogenesis of cancers and cytokines influence activation, growth, and differentiation of several target cells. This study aimed at profiling head and neck cancer patients with regards to the serum level of proinflamma-tory cytokines and disease stage. Materials and Methods: This study involved thirty newly diagnosed cases of HNSCC and thirty apparently healthy comparable group. Five milliliter of venous blood was collected from the antecubital vein of each individual. The blood samples dispensed in plain bottles were allowed to clot and retract; serum was stored at −20°C until analysis. Cytokine assay was carried out by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique using a commercial kit. Results: The study group was made up of 19 (63.3%) males and 11 (36.7%) females. The ages ranged from 19 to 92 years with a mean of 59.1 ± 19.1 years. The comparative group was made up of 14 (46.7%) males and 16 (53.3%) females with a mean age of 63.2 ± 7.5 years. The oral cavity was the most common site of SCC [6 (20.0%)]. The cases were mostly advanced in 28 (93.3%, Stages III and IV). Serum interleukin‑1 IL‑1 (β), IL‑6, IL‑8, TNF–α, and IFN–γ were elevated in the test cases relative to the controls. This however, was only statistically significantly so with IL‑6 and IL‑8. The mean values for both cytokines for all tumor sites were exceeded in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Conclusion: Serum IL‑6 and IL‑8 appear to be significant in the pathology of head and neck cancer and could be explored for possible roles in the management of HNSCC.