Prognostic value of serum interleukin-6 in diffuse large-cell lymphona

Abstract

Background: Interleukin-6 has important lymphoid bioregulatory effects, and serum levels of interleukin-6 are often elevated in patients with lymphoma. Objective: To determine the relation between serum levels of interleukin-6 before treatment and outcome in patients with diffuse large- cell lymphoma. Design: Retrospective cohort analysis with multivariate analysis. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Participants: 118 untreated patients with diffuse large cell lymphoma who were enrolled in frontline chemotherapy protocols and 45 healthy controls. Measurements: Serum levels of interleukin-6 were measured by using a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Levels below the upper limit of t..