Relationship between cytokines and symptoms in people with incurable cancer: A systematic review. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Patton, Rebekah; Paval, D. Robert; McDonald, James J.; Brown, Duncan; Gallagher, Iain J.; Skipworth, Richard J.E.; McMillan, Donald C.; Dolan, Ross D.; Fallon, Marie; Laird, Barry J.A.
• Is Part Of: Critical reviews in oncology/hematology. Volume 159(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Cytokines -- Palliative medicine -- Symptoms -- Systemic inflammatory response -- Cancer; Oncology -- Periodicals; Hematology -- Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103222
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-8428

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: There are clear associations between levels of cytokine proteins and symptoms in advanced cancer. IL-6, TNF-α and the IL-1 cytokines are the most frequently associated with symptoms. Further work is vital to characterise exact relationships between cytokines and symptoms. Future studies should employ longitudinal measurement and consensus methods. Abstract: Background: Development and spread of cancer is linked to the inflammatory response, in which cytokines serve a key role. The inflammatory response may also form the basis for symptoms of cancer. This systematic review examines the relationship between cytokines and symptoms in incurable cancer. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science and PsycINFO databases were searched for studies from January 2004 to January 2020. Results: Twenty studies were selected (n = 1806 patients, 119 controls). Symptoms studied included depression, fatigue, pain, and loss of appetite. Nine studies examined patients with a specified tumour type, the remainder included patients with a mix of tumour types. Thirty-one cytokines were examined; multiple associations between cytokines and symptoms were described, supporting the hypothesis that cytokines may have a key role in symptom generation. Conclusion: Symptoms of incurable cancer are associated with circulating cytokines. Further study is required to characterise these relationships, and to explore their therapeutic potential.