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Medical glossary

Cytokine

Cytokines are small proteins that immune cells use to “talk” to each other. They control inflammation, fever and the immune response.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A macrophage, an immune cell, in false colour under an electron microscope
Figure 1.Macrophages release cytokines

01Short answer

Normally, cytokines coordinate the fight against infection. After treatments such as CAR-T and bispecific antibodies, many cytokines may be released at once; this is cytokine release syndrome (CRS), with fever, low blood pressure and breathlessness. Some cytokines are also used as medicines (for example, growth factors that raise neutrophils).

02Simple explanation

Immune signals.

They control inflammation.

Many are released in CRS.

Some are medicines.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: cytokines are proteins that affect how immune and blood cells work.

The NCI Dictionary explains cancer terms in plain language; check the exact meaning for your situation with your doctor.

04What happens in the body?

CRS

An excessive release of cytokines.

A storm
Figure 2.Illustration: A storm

As medicines

Growth factors and others.

Calming down
Figure 3.Calming down — Cytokine

Where you will see this word

In test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.

Ask your doctor

The general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

05From an unfamiliar word to a clear answer: four steps

Write it down, look it up, prepare a question, ask.

Write it down — From a result or a conversation.1Write it downFrom a result or a conversation.
Look it up — Learn the plain meaning.2Look it upLearn the plain meaning.
Prepare a question — What does this mean for me?3Prepare a questionWhat does this mean for me?
Ask — Your doctor gives the personal explanation.4AskYour doctor gives the personal explanation.
UnderstandingResults feel less frightening.
ConversationA shared language with your doctor.
SafetyNot drawing conclusions alone.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
CRSAn excessive release of cytokines.
As medicinesGrowth factors and others.
Where you will see this wordIn test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.
Ask your doctorThe general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

07Key terms

Interleukin
A type of cytokine.
Growth factor
A cytokine that stimulates blood cell production.
Term
A word with a precise medical meaning.
Reference range
The range a laboratory considers normal.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Write the word down.
  • Ask what it means.

09Frequently asked questions

Are cytokines tested?

Sometimes; mainly symptoms are monitored.

Can CRS be treated?

Yes, with specific medicines.

This word is in my results: should I worry?

The word itself does not mean a serious or mild condition; get the explanation from your doctor.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Are cytokines tested?

  2. Can CRS be treated?

  3. This word is in my results: should I worry?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: cytokine
  2. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: cytokine release syndrome
  3. National Cancer Institute. Immunotherapy Side Effects
  4. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  5. National Cancer Institute. Leukemia
  6. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: complete blood count
  7. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: cure
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: induction therapy
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: consolidation therapy
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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