D3.355 - Decoupling of total IgE and peripheral blood eosinophilia in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: preliminary study

In general, T2 immune response characterized by the production of interleukin-4, -5 and -13 is the response originally developed against helminths invading the skin and mucous membranes. However, nowadays it is more commonly seen in atopic conditions asscociated with allergy. IgE, eosinophils and basophils are essential components of allergic inflammation and can serve as clinical markers of T2 response activation. Previous studies revealed that the reduced risk of pancreatic cancer associated with self-reported allergies is not reflected in serum total IgE levels. Our aim was to compare baseline peripheral blood T2 response markers, i.e. total IgE (tIgE) level, basophil and eosinophil counts) in patients with PDAC and controls with benign pancreatic tumors. 

Subjects were recruited prospectively in the General and Transplant Surgery Department (Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland). The study group comprised N=15 PDAC patients and n=19 controls.. Only one subject self-reported having an allergy (wasp venom allergy). TIgE, blood eosinophilia, blood basophilia,tumor grade and stage, were analysed in each group.  

TIgE, blood eosinophilia and basophilia were comparable in both study groups (p>0,05). TIgE did correlate with blood eosinophilia in control group (r=0,57; p=0,022) but not in PDAC group (r=-0,08; p=0,770). There were no correlation between tIgE and blood basophilia both in control and PDAC groups, as well as between tIgE level and tumor stage or grade.  

Possible decoupling of tIgE and peripheral blood eosinophilia level in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma needs further investigation.