IL6 and CRP- abstract 100

Session 'Fine-tuning response to immune therapy'

Serum IL-6 and CRP as prognostic factors in melanoma patients receiving single agent and  combination checkpoint inhibition.

Jeff Weber 

https://meetinglibrary.asco.org/record/174917/abstract


CRP is produced in the liver and higher levels are associated with poorer outcome in Melanoma. IL6 is a cytokine with both and pro- and anti-inflammatory properties, induces CRP production in the liver.


Both were measured before and on treatment with immuno (Ipi, Nivo)

Low IL6 patients did well
High IL6 patients did less well

Checkmate 066- Nivo vs DTIC
same here- but also on DTIC so it's a prognostic marker and not specific to immune therapy: high IL6 poorer outcome


CRP- similar: patients with higher CRP level have shorter survival


How does it work?

CRP suppresses T-cell and dendritic-cell function and suppresses antigen-specific T-cell generation

it is interfering with the contact between the T-cell and the antigen-presenting cell = disrupts communication 


Trial coming IL6- blocking antibody, combined with immune therapy

From discussion

IL6 biology- it has a double-function, so the outcome is context-dependent