Assessment of Inflammatory Cytokines in Suspected Breast Malignancy

Abstract

Background:  Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) are frequently elevated in breast cancer patients and have been linked to more aggressive disease and poor prognosis. ⁴ IL-6, in particular, has been shown to activate the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway, which plays a crucial role in breast tumorigenesis and resistance to apoptosis.

Material & Methods: All study subjects undergone a detailed clinical assessment, including medical history and family history of cancer, physical examination of the breast and axilla, radiological imaging and biopsy for histopathological confirmation. Quantification of cytokines was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits specific to each cytokine.

Results: The serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-2, IL-6, IL-12, IFN-γ, IFN-α, and IFN-β were significantly elevated in the malignant group compared to the benign group (p < 0.001). Similarly, the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-10, and IL-11 also showed a significant increase in confirmed malignant cases (p < 0.01). Elevated levels of IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12 were significantly associated with HER2-positive tumors (p = 0.001). Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cases (n = 11) demonstrated the highest levels of IFN-γ and IL-6, suggesting a more inflammatory microenvironment.

Conclusion: The altered serum cytokine profiles observed in this study support the hypothesis that systemic inflammation is intricately linked with breast cancer development. Both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines may serve as valuable adjuncts in early detection, prognosis, and therapeutic monitoring of breast malignancy.