Interleukin-6 levels in the plasma of patients with lymphoma.
We have suggested a growth stimulatory role of lymphoma cells in culture by interleukin 6. To test the hypothesis that IL-6 may have a role in vivo, the plasma of lymphoma patients was assayed for the presence of IL-6 bioactivity. A significantly greater proportion of lymphoma patients had elevated IL-6 levels (23 of 40) compared to controls (3 of 35). In follow-up, eight of 15 patients with previously elevated levels returned with decreased or undetectable levels of IL-6 post radio- or chemotherapy. This response was seen primarily in those with intermediate or high grade lymphomas. In contrast no change in IL-6 levels was seen in patients with low grade lymphoma despite measurable reductions in tumor size in both groups.
Yee
C
C
Department of Medicine and Bioresearch, Ontario Cancer Institute, Toronto, Canada.
Sutcliffe
S
S
Messner
H A
HA
Minden
M D
MD
D001681:Biological Assay; D002460:Cell Line; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood*; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D012016:Reference Values
D015850:Interleukin-6