Potential prognostic and therapeutic roles for cytokines in breast cancer (Review)

Abstract

Abstract. Cytokines are known to have both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on breast cancer growth depending on their relative concentrations and the presence of other modulating factors in the tumour microenvironment. Certain cytokines appear to prevent an effective immune response being mounted, permitting cancer growth, whereas others promote the immune system's anti-tumour capability. Furthermore, the systemic levels of certain cytokines, e.g. IL-6 and IL-18, independently show promising correlations with disease stage and progression. With advances in methods for delivery of cytokines to a tumour site, the enhanced induction of anti-tumour immunity by targeted cytokine release is becoming a realistic option. Here, we review the role of cytokines in the immune response against breast cancer and assess their potential as prognostic indicators and/or use in immune therapy. A literature search was conducted using Medline, restricted to articles published in the English language, using combinations of the following MeSH terms: cytokines, breast cancer, immunology, immunotherapy and interleukins. Focused searches using keywords relevant to the role of cytokines in breast cancer immunology yielded >200 references.

Systemic chemokine levels in breast cancer patients and their relationship with circulating menstrual hormones

“…Chemokine receptor expression and activation on malignant cells have previously been shown to promote growth, survival and migration of cancer cells within and from the primary tumour site, and thereby contribute to locoregional and metastatic spread [2,3]. Alterations in the systemic concentration of such chemokines may have potential for use as a marker of disease prognosis and monitoring, as in the case of other established tumour biomarkers, such as Prostate Specific Antigen or CA 15.3 [4,5].…”

Immunotherapy for SV40 T/t antigen-induced breast cancer by recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 2 carrying interleukin-15 in mice

“…Although breast cancer is complex and highly variable in its clinical course, studies have indicated that SV40 T/t antigens are related to the biological behavior and prognosis of breast cancer (1)(2)(3). Previous studies have indicated that interleukins (IL1, IL2, IL12, IL15, IL18, IL24), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and the interferon-γ (IFN-γ) can control the immune response and play an important role in breast cancer immunotherapy (4)(5)(6). In order to demonstrate whether human interleukin-15 (hIL15) can display an anticancer effect on SV40 T/t antigen-associated breast cancer, SV40 T/t antigeninduced transgenic mice were successfully established in this study.…”

The Effects of Epidural Anaesthesia and Analgesia on Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity and Cytokine Response in Patients with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Undergoing Radical Resection

“…18 -20 Some cytokines have an antitumourigenic function, and stimulate and promote the immune system's antitumour capability, whereas others have been confirmed as protumourigenic and, thus, promote tumour growth by inhibiting an effective immune response. 21 The present prospective study, therefore, set out to measure NK cell cytotoxicity (NKCC) …”