Inflammatory Biomarkers with Overall Cancer Prevalence in the MIDUS II Population: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: The correlation between chronic systemic inflammation and cancer has been inconsistent. Objective: We evaluated the associations between circulating inflammatory biomarker concentrations and overall cancer prevalence in the adult general population. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis of 961 participants from the MIDUS II Biomarker Project (2004-2009) with complete measurements of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble E-selectin, and soluble ICAM-1. Cancer history was defined as self-reported physician-diagnosed cancer at the time of biomarker assessment. Associations were analyzed using generalized additive models and multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for age, sex, BMI, smoking, drinking, and exercise. Results: Cancer history was present in 127 participants (13.2%). In the adjusted model, IL-6 was nominally associated with cancer history (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0-1.4, P = 0.035).. The other seven biomarkers were not significantly associated with cancer history. A subgroup analysis suggested an interaction with cholesterol problems (P for interaction = 0.0435). A combined ROC model including IL-6 showed moderate cross-sectional discrimination for cancer history (AUC = 0.708, sensitivity 75.59%, specificity 59.95%). Conclusion: In this cross-sectional analysis, IL-6 was nominally associated with cancer history. Because biomarker measurement and cancer history were assessed in the cross-sectional analysis, reverse causation and residual confounding cannot be excluded. These findings should not be interpreted as evidence of prediction or causation. Larger prospective studies with repeated measurements are needed.
DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s629925
Institution: Fujian Medical University
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,836
Funder: Fujian Medical University
OpenAlex ID: W7224359211