[Cytokine expression of transforming growth factor-beta2 and interleukin-10 in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. Comparison of tissue expression and serum levels].

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and interleukin 10 (Il-10) are cytokines that have a strong immunosuppressive ability. Their secretion by tumor cells is able to suppress an immunological response against tumor. Both factors have been shown to enhance tumor growth in glioblastomas and carcinoma of the breast. We determined the expression pattern of TGF-beta and Il-10 in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (HNSCC) and a possible association with tumor stage and their pre-treatment cytokine serum levels. Cytokine expression in primary tumors and metastases of 21 patients with HNSCC was investigated by immunohistochemistry. To assess the TGF-beta2 and Il-10 levels in tumor patients before therapy 49 serum specimens were analyzed by ELISA. TGF-beta2 was detected in 95% of all tumor tissues analyzed and Il-10 in 79% of all tumors. TGF-beta2 was localized in tumor cells and tumor borders, while Il-10 was preferentially found in peritumoral connective tissue. Metastasizing tumors showed elevated pretreatment serum levels for TGF-beta2 and Il-10. There was no correlation between TGF-beta2 and Il-10 expression in tumor tissue and pretreatment serum levels. Our data show that the majority of HNSCC analyzed express TGF-beta2 and Il-10. A correlation between pretherapy elevated cytokine serum levels and tumor grade was shown.