Jessica N. Acevedo-Ibarra, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Valle de México Campus Cumbres, Monterrey, N.L., México
Dehisy M. Juárez-García, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, N.L., México
Absalón Espinoza-Velazco, Departamento de Oncología, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Hospital de Especialidades No. 25, IMSS. Monterrey, N.L., México
José L. Vázquez-Reyes, School of Psychology, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, N.L., Mexico
Sergio Buenaventura-Cisneros, Departamento de Oncología, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Hospital de Especialidades No. 25, IMSS. Monterrey, N.L., México
Background: Some studies show that pro-inflammatory cytokines are involved in the pathophysiology of anxiety and depression in cancer patients. Objective: To evaluate the levels and relationship of psychological variables (distress and optimism) and physiological markers [pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-8, C-reactive protein (CRP), and cortisol] in patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: Seventeen patients with colorectal cancer participated. Results: 35-41% of the patients’ present distress and 29.40% anxiety and depression. In the physiological markers, most of the patients present elevated levels of IL CRP, compared to IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and cortisol. Only positive and significant relationships were found between IL-6 and distress measured by HADS (rs = 0.724) and by the thermometer (rs = 0.625), depression (rs = 0.877), and physical problems (rs = 0.747). Conclusion: It is suggested to continue with the research on the relationship between psychological variables and physiological markers to provide information that will allow comprehensive care for the cancer patient.
Keywords: Colorectal cancer. Distress. Anxiety. Depression. Proinflammatory cytokines.
