Serum levels of interleukin-10 and interleukin-6 in patients with lung cancer.

Since the enhanced production of IL-10 by human bronchogenic carcinoma has already been documented, in the present study serum levels of IL-10 were measured serially in patients with lung cancer undergoing radiotherapy. Thirty-one full diagnosed cancer patients underwent the radiotherapy procedures. The interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) serum levels were measured before therapy and after 3, 6 and 12 months after therapy. The interleukins concentrations were evaluated using a solid phase sandwich Enzyme-Linked-Immuno-Sorbent-Assay (ELISA). In all patients the serum levels of IL-10 have been found elevated. Due to the treatment they progressively declined to almost normal ranges in responders, while they remained elevated in non-responders. Serum levels of interleukin-6 have been elevated in the majority of our patients. After 12 months observation they also decreased, mainly in patients responding to the treatment. No correlation between serum IL-10 and IL-6 level has been found. The importance of serum IL-6 determination in lung cancer patients monitoring has already been established. The present study shows, that in spite of still unclear role of IL-10 in the process of carcinogenesis, it may be considered as a prognostic factor in lung cancer.