Background: IL-1-cytokines are strongly involved in carcinogenesis and tumor genesis. In this systematic review we will describe the role of IL-1 RA within the cytokine network and its predictive and prognostic value in cancer.
Materials and methods: We analysed preclinical and clinical studies.
Results: A polymorphism is present in intron 2 of the human IL-1RA gene. The IL-1RA allele 2 has an influence on the IL-1RA plasma level. The IL-1 beta level is elevated at the homozygous for IL-1RA, allele 2 (IL-1RN*2). The IL-1 gene cluster polymorphism is associated with gastric cancer. Carriers of IL-1 1B- 511T and IL-1RN*2 homozygotes have an increased risk of developing gastric cancer. Patients with a heterozygosity of allele 2 for IL-1 RA (IL-RA1/2) have an increased risk of cervical cancer. There are negative associations between IL-1 RA polymorphism and the occurrence of ovarian cancer.
Conclusion: The polymorphism of IL-1RA seems to be involved in the induction of different solid tumors.