Inflammation, Tumoral Markers and Interleukin-17, -10, and -6 Profiles in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma and Chronic Pancreatitis.

Background: Interleukin profiles can be used as biochemical markers regarding the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Aims: To assess CRP, CA 19-9, CEA levels, and interleukin-6, -10, and -17 profiles in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, chronic pancreatitis was compared with a control group, and the correlation with pancreatic cancer survival.

Methods: A total of 87 patients were prospective divided in pancreatic cancer (n = 53), chronic pancreatitis (n = 22) ,and control group (n = 12). The diagnosis of PDAC was made histologically. The diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis was based on medical history, imaging methods, and endoscopic ultrasound. Systemic concentrations of interleukins were measured using ELISA kits. The patients were followed at 1, 3, and 6 months.

Results: CRP, CA 19-9, and CEA were higher in the pancreatic cancer group (p < 0.001). Interleukin-10 was significantly higher in the pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis groups (p < 0.001). Interleukin-17 was statistically higher in the pancreatic cancer group (p < 0.0001). The cut-off of interleukin-17 of 0.273 had a sensitivity of 90.9 and a specificity of 80.9 with a curve under ROC of 0.80 in order to differentiate between pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis. The serum levels of interleukins are not correlated with the stage of the disease. CRP, CA 19-9, CEA, and interleukin-6, -10, and -17 were lower in patients with survival more than 6 months.

Conclusions: We detected high levels of interleukin-6, -10, and -17 in chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Serum interleukin-17 levels can discriminate between pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis. The prognostic role of interleukins needs to be established.