Role of Cytokines in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Biomarkers

Background:

• Cytokines are crucial in the tumor microenvironment, affecting breast cancer progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance.
• Understanding their prognostic and therapeutic roles is vital for advancing breast cancer care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the prognostic impact and therapeutic relevance of key cytokines in human breast cancer studies.
• To synthesize evidence from studies published between 2015 and 2025.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus.
• Inclusion of human cohort studies adhering to PRISMA guidelines; exclusion of in vitro/animal models.
• Meta-analysis using random-effects models for cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α.

Main Results:

• Twenty-three studies included; elevated IL-6 strongly linked to poor overall survival (HR=2.25).
• High TNF-α showed a trend toward worse outcomes.
• Other cytokines (IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, TGF-β, IL-17, IL-12, IFN-γ) were associated with metastasis, immune evasion, angiogenesis, or favorable prognosis.

Conclusions:

• Cytokines are central to breast cancer progression and immune regulation.
• Elevated pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive cytokines are potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
• Further validation and standardization are needed for clinical integration into personalized treatment strategies.