Interleukin-2 Receptor Levels in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Correlation to histological degree of malignancy and presence of constitutional symptoms

Abstract

Serum interleukin-2 receptor (Il-2R) levels were measured in 28 untreated patients with stage III or IV non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (low grade lymphoma: n=11, high grade lymphoma: n=17). Markedly higher levels of Il-2R were found in these patients compared to an age- and sexmatched control group. Significant differences were also found between the high grade group and the low grade group, and between patients with and without constitutional (B) symptoms. It has previously been shown that Il-2R levels vary according to tumor burden in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Our data indicate that histological degree of malignancy as well as presence or absence of B symptoms may also influence Il-2R levels in these patients. All three parameters should therefore be taken into account when the clinical significance of Il-2R levels is evaluated.