Higher levels of interleukin-6 in cystic fluids from patients with malignant versus benign ovarian tumors correlate with decreased hemoglobin levels and increased platelet counts

Abstract

IL-6 levels are higher in cystic fluids of malignant ovarian tumors compared with benign tumors. The relationship of cystic fluid IL-6 levels with CRP, platelet counts, and hemoglobin levels suggests a possible causative role of tumor-derived IL-6 in the appearance of general side effects of ovarian cancer, which recently have been recognized as prognostic factors.