Cytokine Gene Variants as Risk Predictors and Prognostic Biomarkers for Cervix Cancer: A Revisit

Abstract: Cervix cancer is the most frequent cancer among women worldwide. Chronic HPV infections can lead to the induction of immune tolerance, where the immune system becomes less responsive to the virus over time. This can allow the virus to persist and establish a long-term infection. Initially, HPV modulates various components of the innate immune system, including interferon signaling pathways. By interfering with innate immune responses, HPV can further dampen the host';s ability to mount an effective antiviral immune response. The genetic alterations in these cytokines contribute to altered cytokine production, which may influence the severity of infection and cancer development. Platinum-based chemo-radiotherapy is the only first-line treatment available for cervix cancer. Chemoradioresistance with variable toxicity is the major challenge in clinical practices. Individual genetic makeup determines their disease development and variable treatment response. Hence, interindividual-based genetic biomarkers need to develop to better cancer prognosis. Biomarkers can predict the risk of disease and help to take precautionary measures and delay the onset of the disease. Previous studies reported that genetically altered IL-1RN, IL-1b, IL-6, and TNF-α associated with cervix oncogenesis, and these could be a potential prognostic marker of cervix cancer.