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Il 6

All articles tagged with #il 6

Virus infections may wake dormant cancer cells, hinting at recurrence risk
science1 month ago

Virus infections may wake dormant cancer cells, hinting at recurrence risk

New research suggests that while viruses like SARS-CoV-2 do not cause cancer, severe viral infections may flare up dormant cancer cells via inflammatory signals such as IL-6, potentially raising recurrence or metastasis. In mice, dormant breast cancer cells reactivated after COVID-19 or flu infection, and analyses of UK Biobank and US breast cancer data found higher cancer mortality and metastasis among patients who had COVID, especially within a year of infection. The findings are not yet proof of causation, and researchers urge more study, but highlight the importance of preventing severe infections in cancer patients and continuing vaccines and precautions.

via Los Angeles Times|
#cancer#covid-19#il-6
Inflammation-Targeted Therapy Shows Early Promise for Hard-to-Treat Depression
health1 month ago

Inflammation-Targeted Therapy Shows Early Promise for Hard-to-Treat Depression

In a small randomized trial, the IL-6 blocker tocilizumab—an existing anti-inflammatory drug—reduced depression symptoms and improved fatigue and quality of life in some people with treatment-resistant depression. Remission was higher in the treatment group (54%) versus placebo (31%), with an estimated number needed to treat of 5, but the study’s small size means results are preliminary and larger phase III trials are needed to confirm efficacy.

via SciTechDaily|
#depression#health#il-6
Inflammation-Driven Depression Gets a New Target in Small Trial
health-and-medicine1 month ago

Inflammation-Driven Depression Gets a New Target in Small Trial

A small randomized trial (n=30) tested tocilizumab, an IL-6 blocker used for inflammatory diseases, in treatment-resistant depression with signs of inflammation. Participants receiving the drug showed greater improvement in depression, fatigue, anxiety, and quality of life, with a higher remission rate (54% vs. 31%) and an NNT of 5, suggesting a potential immune-based approach to treating depression, though larger phase III trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety.

via ScienceDaily|
#depression#health-and-medicine#il-6
IL-6 blocker offers early hope for hard-to-treat depression
health1 month ago

IL-6 blocker offers early hope for hard-to-treat depression

A four-week proof-of-concept trial in 30 adults with major depressive disorder and signs of inflammation tested the IL-6 receptor blocker tocilizumab. Treated participants showed greater improvements in depressive symptoms, fatigue, anxiety, and quality of life than placebo, with remission rates around 54% vs 31%, but the study was not powered for statistical significance. The researchers highlighted that those with higher baseline inflammation tended to respond best, suggesting inflammation-targeted therapies merit larger, longer trials. No notable adverse effects were reported.

via ScienceAlert|
#clinical-trial#depression#health