The role of cytokine and its relation to depression and infection complications in pediatric cancer

Inflammation plays a critical role in the progression of cancer in children. On the other hand, children with cancer experience abnormal activation of the inflammatory system. Moreover, it is known that these patients have a predisposition to depression. According to studies, moderate to severe depression was observed in about 63% of children with cancer and acute illness. Therefore, identifying inflammation-related biomarkers and targets in this regard is essential. The inflammation changes are related to cytokine deregulation, which in turn may influence the expression of depressive symptoms. Studies have reported that the deregulation of serum inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α may influence depressive disorder in pediatric cancer patients.  In addition, determining the risk of severe bacterial infection complications in pediatric cancer is essential to reduce the cost of therapy and hospitalization. However, the role of cytokines as an infection marker in these children is still a debate. Determining these plasma cytokine levels may have diagnostic value in assessing febrile neutropenia, although their crucial role in systemic inflammation is known. Given that evidence regarding the role of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and relation to clinical parameters, including depression and infection in pediatric cancer patients is limited, we assessed the role of cytokine and its relation to depression and infection complications in pediatric cancer.