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

ObjectiveTo investigate the relation between functional impairments of cancer patients and circulating cytokines using a multiplex technique.Design and methods50 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.ResultsMultivariate 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).ConclusionThis 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.

► The relation between 27 cytokines and functions of cancer patients was investigated.
► IL-6 is a significant independent determinant of physical and cognitive functioning.
► VEGF is a significant independent determinant of emotional functioning.