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Cytokine Modulation in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Revision of the Most Recent Studies
Raffaella Marconi1, Annalisa Serafini2, Anna Giovanetti3
1Laboratory of Medical Physics and Expert Systems, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy. raffaella.marconi@ifo.gov.it.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|January 20, 2019
Summary
This review examines how cytokine levels change in breast cancer patients during radiotherapy. Understanding these changes may help predict treatment success and side effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Radiotherapy Research
Background:
- Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in women globally.
- Advanced or triple-negative BC often has poor patient outcomes despite established treatments.
- The immunomodulatory role of cytokine modulation during radiotherapy requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on cytokine profiles in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.
- To assess cytokine and interleukin modulation as potential biomarkers for survival, treatment response, and toxicity.
- To critically discuss the prognostic and predictive value of specific cytokines in radiotherapy outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic overview of studies published within the last five years.
- Literature search conducted using PubMed.
- Inclusion criteria applied to select 15 relevant studies from 47 retrieved papers.
Main Results:
- Cytokine modulation is time- and treatment-dependent in breast cancer patients.
- Radiotherapy induces inflammatory cytokine modulation for up to six months, potentially persisting for years.
- Specific cytokine profiles show potential as biomarkers for radiotherapy outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Cytokine modulation is a significant factor in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.
- Further research into cytokine profiles could enhance personalized treatment strategies and predict patient outcomes.
- Cytokines may serve as valuable biomarkers for survival, treatment response, and toxicity in breast cancer radiotherapy.
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