Profiles of circulating endothelial cells and serum cytokines during adjuvant chemoradiation in rectal cancer patients.

INTRODUCTION

This research aimed to demonstrate the correlation of circulating endothelial cells (CECs) count and serum cytokine levels with side effects and prognosis in rectal cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemoradiation.

METHODS

Eleven patients received proctectomy, chemoradiotherapy and follow-up for 4 years. Fifty-five blood samples were taken before radiation and during the course. The quantities of CECs were estimated by flow cytometry, and serological factors were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

The CEC level in patients without tumor recurrence was significantly lower than in patients with tumor recurrence (p < 0.01). The IL-6 and TGF-β1 levels exhibited a similar profile (p < 0.01). For morbidity, the mean CEC level in patients with grade 3 diarrhea was significantly greater than patients with grades 1 (p < 0.001) and 2 diarrhea (p < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Levels of CECs, serum IL-6, TGF-β1 and TNF-α during post-operative chemoradiation in rectal cancer patients might be candidate biomarkers for prognosis and morbidity (NCT00325871).