[Serum soluble interleukin 2 receptor in patients with squamous epithelial carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract].

BACKGROUND

Several investigations showed increased levels of the soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2 R) in chronic and malignant diseases. A correlation between elevated sIL-2 R levels and disease activity or tumor size was observed in some patients. At present, there are no studies of sIL-2 R serum levels in patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract.

METHODS

SIL-2 R levels were measured in sera of 86 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and of 25 healthy controls with a sandwich ELISA.

RESULTS

Significantly elevated serum levels of sIL-2 R were detected in 49 out of 86 patients (56.9%) with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The mean serum level in the healthy controls was 437 U/ml compared to 895 U/ml in carcinoma patients. A correlation was found between tumor size, number of metastases and the sIL-2 R level. There was no correlation with histological type or tumor localization.

DISCUSSION

The physiological role of sIL-2 R is still unknown. Elevated levels of sIL-2 could be a sign of activation of the immune system. But they also might be involved in causing the disease. The sIL-2 R serum levels in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck may serve as an unspecific indicator for tumor size and dissemination.

CONCLUSION

Posttherapeutic titer controls could be of prognostic value. Additionally, sIL-2 R may help to select appropriate patients for an immunotherapy with recombinant IL-2.