Allergy and hematological malignancies risk: A possible implication of Immunoglobulin E, TNF-α and Interleukin 10

Abstract

AllergoOncology is a current focus of scientific interest. A possible link between allergies and hematologic malignancies (HMs) existed, but the results are controversial. While some studies concluded that allergy is a risk factor for HMs, others consider allergy a protective factor. We aimed to investigate the frequency of allergic disorders among individuals with hematological malignancies versus hematological malignancies free individuals and to detect the possible implication of serum level of Immunoglobulin (Ig) E, interleukin (IL)-10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α. 75 patients with HMs and 75 healthy controls were enrolled. Diagnosis of allergy was made by history, clinical examination, and skin prick testing (SPT), while measurements of serum total IgE, IL 10 and TNFα were done by ELISA. Allergy was diagnosed in 6.7% of the patients and 42.7% of the healthy controls (P<0.001). There was a statistically significant decrease in serum total IgE and TNF-α and in patients than controls (P=0.002, <0.001), respectively. In contrast, IL-10 showed no significant differences between the two groups. In conclusion, allergic disorders are less frequent in patients with HMs than healthy controls. Lack of allergic conditions, low serum total IgE and TNFα may be independent risk factors for hematological malignancies.