SERUM-SOLUBLE INTERLEUKIN-2 RECEPTOR IN COLORECTAL-CANCER

Preoperative serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) levels were measured in patients with colorectal cancer, and correlated with vario us factors as stage, lymph node metastasis, liver metastasis, grade, s erum CEA and IAP (immunosuppressive acidic protein). The levels of ser um soluble IL-2R in Dukes stage C were significantly higher than in no rmal control and in Dukes stage A. Serum levels were also significantl y higher in patients with lymph node metastasis than in patients witho ut such metastasis, and in IAP positive patients compared to IAP negat ive patients. Preoperative serum IL-2R levels thus seem to reflect the stage of the disease.