Type 1 cytokine response and treatment outcome of genital HPV lesions

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the role of type 1 cytokines as predictors of response to treatment of genital HPV lesions with laser ablation with or without adjuvant systemic interferon α2b (IFN-α). Methods: Measurement of serum interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-2 soluble receptor α (sIL-2α), interferon γ, and human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA in patients undergoing treatment of genital HPV lesions with carbon dioxide laser and systemic IFN-α. A randomized, placebo controlled study of 92 cases with 6 months of follow up. Results: High IL-2/sIL-2α was associated with 60% to 70% protection against recurrences both in the IFN-α and placebo groups (OR = 0.4, 90%, CI 0.1- 2.5; OR = 0.3, 90% CI 0.0-1.8, respectively). Diagnostic phase serum IL-2 predicted favourable outcome (OR = 0.2, 90% CI 0.0-1.0) in women with high load of HPV DNA or HPV16/18 DNA regardless of the adjuvant therapy. Conclusions: Serum IL-2 determinations may identify women with good prognosis following laser ablation of genital HPV lesions.