RECIST 1.1 and cytokine levels IL-12 and IL-23: A dual approach to understanding lung cancer progression

Lung cancer remains a significant health concern worldwide. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23) are structurally related cytokines with distinct immune functions, both involved in cancer progression and signaling pathways. Besides using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1 (RECIST 1.1), efforts must be made to increase the accuracy of therapy evaluations by incorporating additional biomarkers. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between RECIST 1.1 overall response (progressive vs. non-progressive) and IL-12 and IL-23 levels in patients with lung cancer. The effects of IL-12, IL-23, age, gender, cell type, and chemotherapy type on the overall response to RECIST 1.1 are also examined in this study. A prospective cohort study in East Java included 70 lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and 35 healthy controls. IL-12 and IL-23 levels were measured at baseline and post-third chemotherapy cycle. RECIST 1.1 assessments were performed after three cycles. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Among 70 lung cancer patients, 55.7% were classified as non-progressive and 44.3% as progressive per RECIST 1.1. Path analysis revealed a significant correlation between IL-23 levels and RECIST 1.1 response (β = 0.129, p=0.015), chemotherapy type (β = 0.282, p=0.000), cell type (β = 0.243, p=0.001), smoking status (β =-0.137, p=0.021), and age (β = 0.460, p=0.000). IL-12 (β =-0.018, p=0.737) and gender (β =-0.011, p=0.840) were not significant correlation. High IL-23, non-adenocarcinoma histological subtypes, systemic chemotherapy drugs agent, smoking history, and older age are linked to disease progression. IL-12 and gender showed no significant impact on RECIST 1.1 response in lung cancer.