Concurrent Cisplatin-Based Chemoradiation for Cervical Carcinoma: Tumor Response, Toxicity, and Serum Cytokine Profiles

Abstract

Purpose. To evaluate the relation between tumor response, treatment toxicity, and serum cytokine profiles in patients with cervical cancer receiving cisplatin-based chemoradiation. Patients and Methods. Forty-two patients with cervical carcinoma receiving chemoradiation were recruited. Hemogram, biochemistry profile, cytokine levels, tumor size, and toxicity were assessed weekly. Results. The absolute neutrophil count decreased accompanied by an increase in serum levels of G-CSF during chemoradiation. The sudden elevation of serum TGF-β 1 and VEGF levels after the first fraction of brachytherapy accompanied with the development of greater radiation therapy (RT) morbidity. Lower pretreatment TGF-β 1 and VEGF levels are associated with tumor response to chemoradiation. Conclusion. The serial changes in serum cytokines during chemoradiation may correlate with tumor regression and treatment morbidity.

Keywords:

• Chemoradiation
• Cervical cancer
• TGF-β
• 1
• G-CSF
• IL-6
• VEGF.