What's Happening?
A systematic review and meta-analysis have been conducted to evaluate the effects of preoperative recombinant Interleukin 2 (rIL2) on outcomes following gastrointestinal cancer surgery. The study included
13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and assessed various outcomes such as lymphocyte counts, surgical site infections, systemic infections, and anastomotic leakages. The analysis found that lymphocyte counts were significantly higher in the rIL2 group compared to the control group one week postoperatively. However, the certainty of evidence was downgraded due to high risk of bias, inconsistency, and imprecision. The study also reported fewer surgical site infections in the rIL2 group, but no significant differences in mortality rates were observed between the two groups. The trials varied in terms of rIL2 dosage and administration duration, with some studies reporting side effects like fever and flu-like symptoms.
Why It's Important?
The findings of this study are significant for the medical community as they provide insights into the potential benefits and limitations of using rIL2 as an immunomodulatory treatment in cancer surgery. Understanding the impact of rIL2 on postoperative outcomes can help refine surgical protocols and improve patient care. The study highlights the need for further research to address the high risk of bias and inconsistency in existing trials. Additionally, the results could influence clinical guidelines and decision-making processes regarding the use of immunotherapy in cancer treatment, potentially leading to improved survival rates and reduced postoperative complications for patients undergoing gastrointestinal cancer surgery.
