Cytokine alterations during paraneoplastic neutrophilia and leukemoid reaction in patients with advanced melanoma

Abstract

Background Paraneoplastic leukemoid reaction (PLR) is a rare phenomenon in metastasized melanoma associated with poor prognosis and rapid disease progression. Currently, no specific therapeutic options exist other than treating the underlying malignancy. Methods Five cases of paraneoplastic neutrophilia in patients with advanced-stage IV melanoma were enrolled in our study. Cytokine concentrations in patients’ serum samples were analyzed before and during PLR using a multiplex cytokine array. Further, immunohistochemical staining of tumor tissue biopsied during PLR was performed. Results and conclusions We observed a strong correlation between worsening of tumor burden and aggravation of neutrophilia. Cytokine measurements revealed an increase of proinflammatory cytokines (IL6, IFNγ), proangiogenic cytokines (VEGF) and immune stem cell growth factors (G-CSF) during PLR. Immunohistochemistry confirmed neutrophil infiltration of tumor tissue. The presented cytokine alterations provide a basis for further functional analysis, which is necessary for the development of targeted therapeutic approaches against PLR.

Relationship between Preoperative Pyuria and Bacille Calmette-Guerin Treatment in Intravesical Recurrence after Transurethral Resection of High-Risk, Non-Muscle Invasive, Bladder Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study of Human Data

“…We believe that pyuria occurs more frequently in patients with large tumors and extensive mucosal lesions, including CIS [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ]. Most malignant tumors have significant leucocytic infiltrates and these have been linked to a poor prognosis [ 33 , 34 ]. In colorectal cancer, abundant tumor budding, scanty lymphocyte infiltration, and few lymphoid follicles tend to coexist and appear to be reliable prognostic indicators [ 35 ].…”