The plasma EBV DNA load with IL-6 and VEGF levels as predictive and prognostic biomarker in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is often diagnosed at a very advanced stage due to its location and non-specific initial symptoms. Moreover, no clinically useful serological marker has been established so far for early detection of NPC. In this study, we have investigated the clinical significance of plasma Epstein-Barr virus DNA load along with interleukin-6 (IL-6) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels to evaluate if these three all together can be useful as a strong serological marker for early detection and prediction of treatment response in patients with NPC. Plasma EBV DNA load, IL-6 level, VEGF expressions were measured in 24 patients with NPC at presentation and various time points during and after treatment. There was a positive correlation between high plasma EBV DNA load with higher IL-6 and VEGF expression, which was closely associated with therapeutic response as well. Persistent or recurrent plasma EBV load with higher IL-6 and VEGF levels can potentially predict disease progression and may be useful to select patients for additional therapy and longer follow-up.