The present study aimed to examine the predictability of pre‑treatment serum levels of interleukin (IL)‑1β, IL‑6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‑α for determining the outcome of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) assigned for chemoradiotherapy. A total of 35 patients with NPC were subjected to clinical examination and evaluation of performance status using Karnofsky scoring. Nasopharyngoscopy was performed for evaluation and to obtain a biopsy. Blood samples were obtained pre‑ and post‑treatment for polymerase chain reaction quantitative estimation of Epstein‑Barr virus (EBV) DNA plasma load and enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay for estimation of serum cytokines. All patients received chemoradiotherapy and were followed‑up for 2 years. Cervical lymphadenopathy and recurrent attacks of epistaxis are the most common presenting symptoms. Treatment significantly decreased pre‑treatment plasma EBV DNA load and serum levels of IL‑6 and TNF‑α, and increased serum IL‑1β levels. Clinical staging and EBV DNA plasma load revealed positively significant correlation with pre‑treatment serum levels of both IL‑6 and TNF‑α, while revealed negative significant correlation with serum IL‑1β levels. The 2‑year survival rate was negatively significantly correlated with pre‑treatment levels of IL‑6 and TNF‑α, and EBV DNA viral load, while it was positively significantly correlated with pre‑treatment performance scores and serum IL‑1β levels. Statistical analyses defined high pre‑treatment serum IL‑6 levels as a significant specific predictor for high mortality rate. It was demonstrated that NPC was associated with high pre‑treatment plasma EBV DNA load and serum cytokines, and chemoradiotherapy significantly reduced these high levels. High pre‑treatment serum IL‑6 level was a significant specific predictor for high mortality rate. Increased post‑treatment serum levels of IL‑1β indicated good therapeutic response and most probably a high survival rate. |
