Clinicopathological Factors and Interleukin-6 Levels Associated With Low Relative Dose Intensity in Women With Breast...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Biomarkers

Background:

• Chemotherapy's role in breast cancer (BC) treatment is dose-dependent, with low relative dose intensity (RDI) linked to poor outcomes.
• Baseline factors, including pro-inflammatory biomarkers, influence RDI.
• Understanding factors affecting RDI is crucial for optimizing BC treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the occurrence of low RDI in BC patients.
• To identify baseline clinicopathological factors associated with low RDI.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study of 172 women with stage I-IV BC receiving first-line chemotherapy.
• Analysis of pre-chemotherapy C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels.
• Calculation of RDI and multivariate logistic regression to identify factors associated with RDI < 85%.

Main Results:

• The average RDI was 93%. Low RDI (<85%) was observed in 13.4% of patients.
• Diabetes mellitus, triple-negative tumors, and IL-6 levels > 0.5 pg/mL were significantly associated with increased risk of low RDI.
• Odds ratios: Diabetes (4.78), triple-negative tumors (6.45), IL-6 > 0.5 pg/mL (3.45).

Conclusions:

• The incidence of low chemotherapy RDI in BC patients is comparable to existing literature.
• Identifying patients at risk for low RDI is essential for proactive management and improved outcomes.