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Background
The implication of IL-6 in the pathogenesis of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is
well documented. Accordingly, the clinicopathological significance of this cytokine
in patients’ ascites fluid or serum has largely been investigated. Since the main
source of IL-6 secreted into the biological fluids is the tumor tissue, this study
was designed to investigate the status and possible clinical relevance of the IL-6
expression in an array of EOC tissue specimens.
Results
An upregulation of IL-6 expression was observed in EOC tissues as compared with the
normal samples (p < 0.0001). As regards the clinical relevance, IL-6 failed to predict OS, DFS and
response to the platinum-based chemotherapy in EOC patients. In multivariate analysis,
however, IL-6 was identified as an independent predictive factor for the development
of post-treatment ascites (p:0.033).
Conclusions
Having the capability to predict the ascites formation, IL-6 might serve as a biomarker
and a useful tool in EOC for monitoring purposes. IL-6 targeting for the prevention
of the ascites development is a potential avenue for further investigation.
Graph (G) depicts maximum and minimum expression scores of IL-6 in different subgroups of
EOC. HGS: high grade serous; LGS: low grade serous; M: mucinous; HGE: high grade endometrioid;
LGE: low grade endometrioid; C: clear cell; O: others. Magnification = 40x
Conclusions
Here, we report the upregulation of IL-6 in EOC, with predictive value for development
of ascites following the platinum-based treatment. In keeping with results from previous
studies, our findings highlight the role of this cytokine in EOC patients which needs
to be further explored in future research.
