Evaluation of serum levels of selected cytokine receptors in adult B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia and their association with prognostic factors and survival.

Abstract

To evaluate serum levels of selected cytokine receptors in B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and their association with acknowledged prognostic factors, relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). A total of 42de novo adult B-ALL patients, 19BCR/ABL positive, were included in this study. Soluble receptor α for IL-2 (sIL-2Rα), soluble receptor for IL-6 (sIL-6R), soluble receptor for TNF-α type I and II (sTNFR-1, sTNFR-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were measured by biochip array technology at diagnosis and in complete remission (CR). At diagnosis of B-ALL, we found significantly higher levels of sIL-2Rα, sIL-6R, sTNFR-1, sTNFR-2and significantly lower levels MMP-9in comparison with CR (p< 0.001in all cases). BCR/ABL positive patients had higher levels of sIL-2Rα at diagnosis (r= 0.484; p= 0.014). Serum levels of evaluated cytokines were not associated with achievement of CR after one cycle of induction therapy, RFS or OS. Serum levels of all evaluated cytokines are significantly altered in newly diagnosed B-ALL reflecting activity of the disease. No significant correlations with response to first induction therapy, RFS or OS were found. Further studies with a longer follow-up will be needed.