The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly challenged healthcare systems worldwide. Special attention has been directed towards studying COVID-19 in cancer patients, who are at a greater risk of severe disease and mortality due to immunodeficiency caused by their underlying disease, chemotherapy, and frequent interactions with medical personnel. A key aspect of COVID-19 pathogenesis is the «cytokine storm», characterized by excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and systemic hyperinflammation. Understanding the mechanisms and methods of controlling the «cytokine storm» is crucial for treating both infectious and oncological diseases.
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the cytokine status in COVID-19 patients with and without oncological diseases.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study included 47 patients (aged 23—80 years) with severe COVID-19. The main group comprised 25 cancer patients, while the control group consisted of 22 patients without cancer. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukins (IL) 2, 6, 8, and 10 were assessed.
RESULTS
Post-treatment levels of IL-2, IL-6, and IL-10 were significantly higher in cancer patients compared to the control group: IL-2 (486.2±65.3 vs. 341.2±61.0 pg/ml, p=0.002), IL-6 (4.54±1.4 vs. 2.26±1.7 pg/ml, p=0.001), and IL-10 (6.3±2.1 vs. 5.1±1.6 pg/ml, p=0.002). However, IL-8 (p=0.06) and TNF-α (p=0.08) levels did not differ significantly between the main and control groups. Pathological levels were defined as IL-2 >710 pg/ml, IL-6 >7 pg/ml, IL-8 >62 pg/ml, IL-10 >9.1 pg/ml, and TNF-α >8.1 pg/ml. Cancer patients exhibited a significantly higher frequency of elevated IL-6 (72%), IL-8 (32%), and IL-10 (24%). The frequency of elevated IL-2 and TNF-α levels did not significantly differ between the groups. Deceased patients in the main group had significantly higher levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α.
CONCLUSION
Cancer patients with COVID-19 have higher cytokine concentrations compared to non-cancer patients, indicating more pronounced immune dysregulation.
