TNF-alpha levels in cancer patients relate to social variables.
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is an important cytokine associated with tumor regression and increased survival time for cancer patients. Research evidence relates immune factors (e.g., natural killer (NK) cell counts, NK cell lysis, lymphocyte profile, and lymphocyte proliferation) to the frequency and quality of social relations among cancer patients. We hypothesized that disruptions in social relations would be associated with lower TNF-alpha responses, and conversely, that reports of positive changes in social relations correlate with stronger responses. A prospective design measured changes in social activity and relationship satisfaction with a partner in 44 breast cancer patients at the time of cancer diagnosis, and initial surgery and 12 months later. Results indicated that patients reporting increased social activities or satisfaction exhibited stronger stimulated TNF-alpha responses. This is the first study to link changes in patient social relations with a cancer-relevant immune variable.
Duke Scholars
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- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
- Stress, Psychological
- Social Support
- Social Environment
- Social Adjustment
- Regression Analysis
- Psychoneuroimmunology
- Prospective Studies
- Pilot Projects
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
Citation
Published In
DOI
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
- Stress, Psychological
- Social Support
- Social Environment
- Social Adjustment
- Regression Analysis
- Psychoneuroimmunology
- Prospective Studies
- Pilot Projects
- Neurology & Neurosurgery