Serum Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines and Leptin as Potential Biomarkers for Treatment Response and Toxicity in Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) is a globally prevalent form of cancer with significant morbidity and mortality rates. The present study examines the relationship of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines and leptin levels with the effectiveness of therapy in individuals with HNSCC and their potential role as biomarkers for treatment response and toxicity. Induction chemotherapy and concomitant chemoradiotherapy were evaluated for efficacy and safety in 52 individuals with HNSCC. Both response and toxicity were evaluated, and serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines Interlukin-1 beta (IL-1β), Interlukin-2 (IL-2), Interlukin-6 (IL-6), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) and leptin were measured using enzyme-linked immunoassay before and after treatment. Before treatment, these measurements were made in comparison with a control group with 50 healthy people. The results showed that serum cytokines and leptin levels varied depending on the response to treatment, with patients who had a complete or partial response (PR) showing significant decreases in IL-1 β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels and significant increases in IL-2 and leptin levels after treatment, with an improvement in cachexia. These results imply that variations in serum pro-inflammatory cytokines and leptin levels are likely related to the therapeutic effectiveness in HNSCC and may act as biomarkers for treatment response.