Serum IL-10 and IL-12 levels reflect the response to chemotherapy but are influenced by G-CSF therapy and sepsis in children with soft tissue sarcomas

Abstract

Pre-treatment serum IL-10/IL-12 balance has been recently found deregulated in childhood soft tissue sarcomas (STS). Its role in STS monitoring and assessment of response to therapy is unknown. To establish whether serum IL-10 and IL-12 levels and their reciprocal ratios reflect childhood STS course and actual activity and whether G-CSF therapy and central vein catheter (CVC)-related sepsis influence the interleukins levels. ELISA determinations of serum interleukins were performed before treatment, in remission without complications (CR), at relapse and after treatment in 59 STS patients and during G-CSF administration and CVC-related sepsis (in 18) and also in 30 healthy controls. In CR IL-10 declined and IL-12 increased as compared to pretreatment levels; in relapse IL-10 rose and IL-12 decreased significantly as compared to levels in CR. Also rates of IL-10, IL-12, and IL-10/IL-12 ratios recently estimated by us as of prognostic significance reflected well the STS course. During G-CSF therapy and CVC-related sepsis, IL-10 increased and IL-12 decreased significantly from levels in CR without complications. IL-10 levels and rates of IL-10 ≥ 11 pg/ml in sepsis could falsely suggest relapse. However, IL-12 levels, rates of IL-12 ≤ 60 pg/ml and/or simultaneous determination of both interleukins differed significantly from levels at relapse. Serial determinations of serum IL-10 and IL-12 reflected well the course of STS in children and enabled remission and relapse phases to be distinguished. To avoid G-CSF and sepsis influence, IL-12 and IL-10/IL-12 ratio and not IL-10 alone should be analysed.