Cytokine analysis as a tool to understand tumour-host interaction in ovarian cancer

We observed high expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8 and immune suppressive cytokines IL-10, CCL22 and TGF-β in most samples whereas Th1 (IL-12p70, IFN-γ) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-5) cytokines were only detectable in 13% of the samples. TGF-β was only detected in latent form, questioning its immune suppressive role. CCL22 was in similar levels present in early stage compared to advanced stage tumours. At advanced stage, we observed a negative correlation with CCL22 levels and Th1/2 cytokine expression. We found a positive correlation between IL-6 concentration in ascites and residual disease after debulking. Additionally, IL-6 levels were remarkably higher at recurrence compared to primary advanced disease, which opens an opportunity for inhibition of IL-6 expression in the prevention of recurrence. Despite the heterogeneity of EOC and the complexity of cytokine functions, our results show that cytokine analysis in ascites may aid in understanding tumour-host interaction in EOC.