The relationship between weight loss and interleukin 6 in non-small-cell lung cancer

Markers of the inflammatory response, interleukin 6, C-reactive protein, albumin and full blood count, were measured in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (n = 21) with and without weight loss ( > 5%). There were significant increases in circulating C-reactive protein (P < 0.001), interleukin 6 (P < 0.01) and platelets (P < 0.01) in the weight-losing group. Moreover, there was a statistically significant correlation (r = 0.785, P < 0.001) between interleukin 6 and C-reactive protein concentrations. These results are consistent with interleukin 6 and the acute phase response promoting weight loss in NSCLC.