THE IL-6/IL-10 INFLAMMATORY AXIS AND PROGNOSIS OF CIRRHOSIS-ASSOCIATED HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Oncology
• Immunology

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of mortality in chronic liver disease, often developing in cirrhotic livers.
• Chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction drive hepatocarcinogenesis, highlighting circulating cytokines as potential biomarkers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence on interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) as biomarkers in cirrhosis-associated HCC.
• To assess their roles in HCC occurrence, staging, treatment response, and prognosis.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of literature from 2010-2025 was conducted.
• Searches included PubMed, SciELO, and Europe PMC using keywords related to HCC, cirrhosis, IL-6, IL-10, prognosis, and biomarkers.
• Prioritization of clinical studies, meta-analyses, and guidelines.

Main Results:

• Elevated IL-6 levels consistently correlate with poor prognosis, increased tumor burden, and inferior outcomes post-therapy in HCC.
• Elevated IL-10 levels are observed in many HCC patients, associated with immunosuppression and worse outcomes in advanced disease, though its role is context-dependent.

Conclusions:

• IL-6 is a more consistent biomarker for progression and prognosis in cirrhosis-associated HCC.
• IL-10 acts as an immune regulatory marker with variable behavior influenced by disease factors.
• Standardization of assays and prognostic models is crucial for clinical use.