Higher levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 may be associated with an increased risk of obesity-related cancers in individuals with type 2 diabetes, according to a Danish study to be presented at the upcoming Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Madrid, Spain.
The study included 6,466 participants (40.5% female; median age = 60.9 years) from the Danish Centre for Strategic Research in Diabetes cohort. Baseline levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured; IL-6 and TNF-alpha, often found at higher levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes, are released by adipose tissue.
Participants were followed for a median of 8.8 years, during which 327 developed an obesity-related cancer. Obesity-related cancers included breast, kidney, uterine, thyroid, ovarian, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, as well as multiple myeloma.
Participants were categorized into three groups based on IL-6 levels: lowest (<0.94 pg/mL), middle (0.94-1.58 pg/mL), and highest (>1.58 pg/mL). After adjusting for confounders, those in the highest IL-6 group had a 51% higher risk of developing an obesity-related cancer compared with those in the lowest IL-6 group.
The inclusion of baseline IL-6 levels in predictive models slightly improved the ability to predict obesity-related cancer development, while TNF-alpha and hsCRP levels did not. Smoking status did not affect the results.
"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," noted Mathilde Dahlin Bennetsen, of the Steno Diabetes Center Odense, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.
The authors concluded that a simple blood test measuring IL-6 levels could potentially identify individuals with type 2 diabetes at higher risk for obesity-related cancers. However, further research is needed to determine if testing would improve early detection and management of these cancers.
"Understanding that higher levels of inflammation can indicate a greater risk of certain cancers highlights the importance of regular check-ups and effective diabetes management. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and adhering to treatment plans can potentially help manage inflammation and reduce cancer risk," Bennetsen added.
The authors declared having no competing interests.