Clinical Implications of the Interleukin 27 Serum Level in Breast Cancer

IntroductionInterleukin 27 (IL-27), belonging to the IL-12 family, exerts a critical role in immune regulation of infection, autoimmunity, and tumor. In this study, we aimed to investigate the roles of IL-27 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in breast cancer.MethodsThe serum levels of IL-27 and VEGF in 150 patients with breast cancer and 90 control subjects were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epithelial growth factor receptor 2 were measured by immunohistochemistry. Clinical stage, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, grade, and histological type were also recorded.ResultsThe serum levels of IL-27 and VEGF were significantly greater in breast cancer patients than in the control group. In addition, there was a significant correlation between IL-27 and VEGF, and serum IL-27 and VEGF levels were associated with the clinical stage of breast cancer. Moreover, the serum levels of IL-27 were especially elevated in breast cancer patients who were estrogen receptor–positive and progesterone receptor–positive. Furthermore, the serum levels of IL-27 and VEGF decreased after patients with breast cancer had modified radical mastectomy.ConclusionInterleukin 27 may be a new prognostic biomarker of breast cancer and a promising target to limit both angiogenesis and tumor growth.