Comparison of Interleukin-6 with Other Markers in Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Ovarian cancer is difficult to diagnose at an early stage. The lack of symptoms leads to late diagnosis and a poor prognosis. Inflammation seems to be a basic mechanism of this disease. Searching for novel markers in ovarian cancer is important for clinical application. Nowadays, the most common markers are CA125 and HE4, but novel ones are still sought. According to the theory of the inflammatory background of neoplastic diseases, inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and interleukin-6 have a potential prognostic role in diagnosis of ovarian cancer. ABSTRACT: The lack of specific symptoms in ovarian cancer delays onset of the diagnostic process. Hence, most cases are recognized in late stages of the disease. The aim of this study was to confirm the role of Il-6 compared to other markers in diagnosis and survival in ovarian cancer. The database was collected from 13 January 2021 to 15 February 2023. In total, 101 patients with pelvic tumors with a mean age of 57.86 ± 16.39 participated in the study. In every case, CA125, HE4, CEA, CA19-9, Il-6, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin measurements were taken. Patients with ovarian borderline tumor and metastatic ovarian tumors were excluded from further analysis. Statistically significant correlations were found between diagnosis of ovarian cancer and levels of CA125, HE4, CRP, PCT and Il-6. Comparison of Il-6 with other markers revealed that longer overall survival correlated with lower values of Il-6. In the case of a higher concentration of Il-6, OS and PFS were shorter. Sensitivity and specificity of Il-6 in diagnosis of ovarian cancer were 46.8% and 77.8%, respectively, while for CA125, CRP and PCT were 76.6% and 63%; 68% and 57.5%; 36% and 77%, respectively. More investigations are needed to identify the most specific and sensitive marker for ovarian cancer.