A New Method for Obtaining Tumor Interstitial Fluid Applied to Cytokine Analysis of Breast Carcinoma Samples

Abstract

Background/aim: Tumor interstitial fluid (TIF), a component of the tumor microenvironment, is a valuable source of molecules and substances that help in diagnosis and prognosis of solid tumors. There is still no consensus on the optimal method for collecting TIF. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a new method of collecting TIF in invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) samples for cytokine interleukin 1β (IL1β) quantification.

Materials and methods: Forty women allowed the collection of TIF using absorbent paper strips during the performance of the core biopsy. The samples were stored at a temperature of -80°C and then analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunoassay.

Results: The mean values for IL1β and total protein were 11.39 mg/ml and 2.15 mg/ml, respectively.

Conclusion: it was possible to quantify the cytokine IL1β and the total protein concentration present in the tumor tissue through TIF collection with the use of absorbent paper filters, demonstrating the effectiveness of this new method in oncology.

Keywords: Tumor interstitial fluid; breast cancer; clinical research methods; cytokine.