Table 4.
Meta-analysis investigated the association between cytokines and PFS.
| Cytokines | Studies (n) | HR (95%CI) | p-value | I 2(%) | p-value Egger’s test |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Univariate Analysis | |||||
| IL−5 | 3 | 1.15 (0.72, 1.85) | 0.56 | 45 | 0.64 |
| IL−6 | 5 | 1.61 (0.86, 3.02) | 0.1 | 53 | 0.90 |
| IL-8 | 6 | 1.56 (1.38, 1.75) | <0.00001 | 0 | 0.59 |
| IL-10 | 3 | 1.93 (1.18, 3.16) | 0.001 | 5 | 0.06 |
| TNF-α | 3 | 0.71 (0.14, 3.57) | 0.73 | 74 | 0.06 |
| IFN-γ | 3 | 1.11 (0.40, 3.07) | 0.85 | 65 | 0.87 |
| Multivariable Analysis | |||||
| IL-6 | 3 | 1.75 (0.43, 7.08) | 0.45 | 88 | 0.29 |
IL, interleukin; IFN, interferon; TNF, tumor necrosis factor.