[Serum soluble interleukin 2 receptor in patients with squamous epithelial carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Several investigations showed increased levels of the soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2 R) in chronic and malignant diseases. A correlation between elevated sIL-2 R levels and disease activity or tumor size was observed in some patients. At present, there are no studies of sIL-2 R serum levels in patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract.

METHODS:

SIL-2 R levels were measured in sera of 86 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and of 25 healthy controls with a sandwich ELISA.

RESULTS:

Significantly elevated serum levels of sIL-2 R were detected in 49 out of 86 patients (56.9%) with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The mean serum level in the healthy controls was 437 U/ml compared to 895 U/ml in carcinoma patients. A correlation was found between tumor size, number of metastases and the sIL-2 R level. There was no correlation with histological type or tumor localization.

DISCUSSION:

The physiological role of sIL-2 R is still unknown. Elevated levels of sIL-2 could be a sign of activation of the immune system. But they also might be involved in causing the disease. The sIL-2 R serum levels in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck may serve as an unspecific indicator for tumor size and dissemination.

CONCLUSION:

Posttherapeutic titer controls could be of prognostic value. Additionally, sIL-2 R may help to select appropriate patients for an immunotherapy with recombinant IL-2.

• Authors: S Gottschlich, J A Werner, B M Lippert, T Görögh, S Maune, H Rudert
• Journal: Laryngo- rhino- otologie (Laryngorhinootologie) Vol. 74 Issue 8 Pg. 508-11 (Aug 1995) ISSN: 0935-8943 [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Untersuchungen zum löslichen Interleukin-2 Rezeptor im Serum von Patienten mit Plattenepithelkarzinomen der oberen Luft- und Speisewege.
• PMID: 7575904 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Receptors, Interleukin-2

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (immunology, pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Immunocompetence (immunology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neoplasm Staging
• Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms (immunology, pathology)
• Prognosis
• Receptors, Interleukin-2 (metabolism)
• Reference Values