Is decrease of interleukin-2 secretion a new independent prognostic factor associated with poor survival in patients with small-cell lung cancer?
IL-2 secretion at the time of diagnosis represents an independent prognostic factor for survival in SCLC. Although its prognostic value has to be confirmed in a larger group of patients, our results demonstrate that IL-2 secretion may play an important role in diagnosis and treatment of SCLC. Moreover, in contrast to other prognostic factors, impairment of IL-2 secretion may help to understand immunosuppression in SCLC and, thus, important elements of the pathogenesis of this disease.
Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in the presence of Outerbridge grade IV degenerative change is likely to improve symptoms initially in patients with symptomatic meniscal tears and may provide lasting benefit. It does not appear to hasten the progression of the osteoarthritis in these patients.