Association Between Interleukin-6 and Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Izmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Izmir, Turkey.
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology
|February 15, 2021
Summary
Elevated Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients correlate with poorer survival. Further clinical trials are needed to explore IL-6 targeted therapies for HNSCC treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a proinflammatory cytokine implicated in cancer regulation.
- IL-6 targeted therapies show potential in cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the role of IL-6 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
- To evaluate the association between IL-6 levels (serum, saliva, tumor) and HNSCC outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of studies published between January 1995 and January 2019.
- Searches conducted on PubMed/Medline database.
Main Results:
- Overexpression and elevated serum/saliva IL-6 concentrations are linked to poor survival in HNSCC patients.
- A correlation exists between IL-6 levels and tumorigenicity.
Conclusions:
- IL-6 plays a significant role in HNSCC progression and outcomes.
- Current IL-6 targeted therapies are primarily in preclinical stages.
- Prospective, randomized clinical trials are essential to validate IL-6 targeted therapies for HNSCC.
