Interleukins, TNF-alpha and beta-2M in patients with B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia

In order to investigate the possible existence of a prognostic factor for B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), we determined the serum levels of TNF-alpha, IL-la, IL-lb, IL-2, sIL-2R, IL-6, IL-IO and beta-2M in 20 pat ients. We observed significant changes in sIL-2R and beta-2M levels, whereas in al l stages of disease, TNF-a and other interleukins exhibited only mild chang es. An excellent correlation between sIL-2R and beta-2M levels and disease activity wes reported. Patients with aggressive disease (Rai stages LII and IV and Richter's syndrome) had increased levels. Patients who responded to therapy and with improved clinical status had decreased sIL-2R and b-2M le vels. However, patients with progressive disease and no response to therapy were associated with increased levels of sIL-2R and beta-2M, In conclusions, as serum levels of sIL-2R and beta-2M are increased in the aggressive stages of B-CLL, they may be used as reliable markers for monito ring B-CLL activity, showing response to treatment and early relapse and/or disease progression.