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Serum Interleukin Levels Predict Occurrence of Acute Radiation Pneumonitis and Overall Survival in Thoracic Tumours

  • 0Department of Oncology & Radiotherapy, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China.
Clinical and Investigative Medicine. Médecine Clinique Et Experimentale +

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March 25, 2025

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March 25, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Serum interleukin levels, particularly IL-6, can predict acute radiation pneumonitis (RP) in thoracic cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Elevated IL-6 indicates a higher risk, aiding in personalized treatment strategies for radiation-induced lung injury (RILI).

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Radiotherapy

Background

  • Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is a serious complication of thoracic radiotherapy.
  • Acute radiation pneumonitis (RP) risk factors require further clarification.
  • This study investigates serum interleukins (ILs) as predictors of RP and survival in thoracic cancer patients.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To evaluate the predictive value of pre-treatment serum IL levels for RP occurrence.
  • To assess the prognostic role of serum IL levels in overall survival.
  • To identify potential biomarkers for early RILI prediction.

Main Methods

  • Retrospective observational study of 435 thoracic cancer patients.
  • Serum IL levels (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IFN-α) measured by cytometric bead array.
  • Statistical analysis including Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier methods.

Main Results

  • RP incidence was 17.01%.
  • Elevated serum levels of multiple ILs (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, TNF-α, IFN-α) correlated with RP occurrence.
  • High IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-12p70 levels were associated with more severe pneumonitis; serum IL-6 was an independent prognostic factor.

Conclusions

  • Serum IL levels are associated with acute RP development in patients receiving thoracic radiotherapy.
  • Serum IL-6 is a potential biomarker for identifying high-risk patients for RP.
  • Findings may guide individualized therapeutic strategies and improve RILI management.

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