Introduction/Background The pathogenesis of ovarian cancer (OC) is still unknown.The particular immune system factors may actively promote tumor growth by maintaining inflammation, promoting immunosuppression and creating new blood vessels. The role of interleukin 17 (IL-17) in OC immunology is controversial. On the one hand, IL-17 seems to stimulate tumor growth by inducing tumor vascularization or enhancing inflammation. On the other hand, IL-17 can reduce invasiveness and induce specific immunity to cancer cells.

The aim of the study was evaluation of IL-17A concentration in plasma and peritoneal fluid (PF) of patients with ovarian cancer (n=71) in relation to their clinicopathological characteristics. The studies were also conducted in benign ovarian tumor patients (n=35) and healthy donors (n=10).

Methodology The concentration of IL-17A in plasma and PF were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) according to manufacturer’s instruction.

Results The highest concentration of IL-17A was detected in plasma of OC patients and it was higher (p<0.0001) than in the both, benign tumors and control group. The peritoneal fluid IL-17A level in OC patients was higher (p<0.0001) than in women with benign ovarian tumors. There were no significant differences in IL-17 level in OC patients depending on FIGO stage, histological grade, cancer type according to Kurman and Shih classification. The concentration of IL-17A in the PF was higher (p=0.04) in OC patients before menopause than in patients after menopause.The patients survival with higher level of IL-17A in the PF was longer than patients with lower Il-17A level.

Conclusion The concentration of IL-17A in the PF of OC patients is significantly higher than in patients with benign tumors.

There are differences in the concentration of IL-17 in OC patients depending on microenvironment.

Higher IL-17A level in the PF correlate with longer survival of ovarian cancer patients.

Disclosure Nothing to disclose.