(HealthDay News) — In patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, baseline interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels may enhance prediction of new-onset obesity-related cancers, according to a study scheduled to be presented at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, being held from Sept. 9 to 13 in Madrid.
Mathilde Dahlin Bennetsen, from the Steno Diabetes Center Odense at Odense University Hospital in Denmark, and colleagues explored whether IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) can serve as predictive biomarkers for obesity-related cancers in patients recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The analysis included 6,466 individuals followed for a median 8.8 years.
The researchers found that baseline IL-6 levels were associated with a higher subsequent obesity-related cancer risk. A one standard deviation increase in log-transformed IL-6 was tied to a 19 percent increased risk for obesity-related cancers in an adjusted analysis (hazard ratio, 1.19; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.07 to 1.31). There was no strong association seen between TNF-α (hazard ratio, 1.08; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.98 to 1.19) or hsCRP (hazard ratio, 1.08; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.97 to 1.21) and obesity-related cancers. In 4,335 participants with available smoking habit information, similar associations were seen. The addition of IL-6 to a cancer prediction model conferred a small but statistically significant increase in the C-index, from 0.685 to 0.693, whereas the addition of hsCRP or TNF-α did not result in improvements in model performance.
“Understanding which individuals are at higher risk for these cancers would allow for more targeted and effective monitoring and early detection, potentially improving outcomes through earlier intervention and personalized treatment,” Bennetsen said in a statement.
Key Findings from the Study
The study, conducted by researchers at the Steno Diabetes Center Odense, examined the relationship between IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and the risk of obesity-related cancers in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. The analysis included a large cohort of over 6,000 individuals followed for nearly nine years.
The researchers found a significant association between elevated baseline IL-6 levels and an increased risk of obesity-related cancers. This association remained robust even after adjusting for other relevant factors. In contrast, TNF-α and hsCRP showed no strong association with cancer risk.
Implications for Black Patients
While the study did not specifically focus on racial differences, the findings have important implications for Black patients with type 2 diabetes. Black individuals are disproportionately affected by both obesity and type 2 diabetes, and they are also at higher risk for certain types of cancer. Understanding the role of IL-6 in predicting cancer risk could help identify Black patients who may benefit from more intensive screening and early intervention.
Potential Mechanisms
IL-6 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in a variety of biological processes, including inflammation, immune function, and metabolism. Elevated IL-6 levels have been linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation, all of which are risk factors for cancer. It is possible that IL-6 plays a role in the development of obesity-related cancers by promoting tumor growth and progression.
Clinical Implications
The study’s findings suggest that measuring IL-6 levels at the time of diagnosis of type 2 diabetes could be a valuable tool for risk assessment. Patients with elevated IL-6 levels may benefit from more frequent cancer screening and closer monitoring for signs and symptoms of disease. Additionally, interventions aimed at reducing inflammation, such as lifestyle modifications and targeted therapies, may help to lower cancer risk in this population.
Future Directions
While the study provides compelling evidence for the association between IL-6 and obesity-related cancers in patients with type 2 diabetes, further research is needed to confirm these findings and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Larger studies that include diverse populations, including a greater number of Black patients, are also necessary to establish the generalizability of these results.