Positive affect and fatigue as predictors of anti-inflammatory IL-10 concentrations among colorectal cancer patients during adjuvant chemotherapy

Abstract

Objectives(1) To examine the relationships of positive and negative affect and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fatigue at baseline with the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 concentrations in serum at three points in colorectal cancer patients; and (2) to assess the relationship between these factors and disease recurrence or mortality after a median follow-up of 24 months. MethodsIn a prospective trial, 92 stage II or III colorectal cancer patients scheduled to receive standard chemotherapy were enrolled. Blood samples were collected prior to start of chemotherapy onset (T0), 3 months later (T1), and upon chemotherapy completion (T2). ResultsIL-10 concentrations were similar across the time points. Linear mixed-effects model analysis showed that controlling for confounders, higher positive affect and lower fatigue pretreatment (T0) predicted IL-10 concentrations across the time points (estimate = 0.18, SE = 0.08, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.34, p < .04 and estimate = −0.25, SE = 0.12, 95% CI = −0.50, 0.01, p < .04, respectively). Depression at T0 significantly predicted higher disease recurrence and mortality (estimate = 0.17, SE = 0.08, adjusted OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.38, p = .03). ConclusionsWe report on associations not previously assessed between positive affect and fatigue and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Results add to previous findings suggesting that positive affect and fatigue could have a role in anti-inflammatory cytokine dysregulation.