Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum levels of CXC subfamily chemokine 13 (CXCL13) and clinical outcomes following radical surgery for cervical cancer.
Patients and methods: A total of 70 cervical cancer patients admitted to our hospital between August 2021 and December 2022 were selected as the study group, while 30 healthy individuals who underwent regular physical examinations during the same period were selected as the control group. The levels of CXCL13 were measured in both groups, and a comparison was made between pre- and post-operative CXCL13 levels in the study group and the control group. Follow-up data on clinical outcomes were collected for the study group, and clinical data were compared between the recurrence/metastasis group and the non-recurrence/metastasis group. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing recurrence and metastasis by incorporating variables showing significant differences. Additionally, Pearson's correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between CXCL13 and clinical data.
Results: Postoperative levels of CXCL13 in the study group showed a significant decrease compared to preoperative levels, and they were lower than those in the control group (p<0.05). Among the 70 patients in the study group, 23 experienced recurrence or metastasis, while 47 did not. Significant differences were observed between the recurrence/metastasis group and the non-recurrence/metastasis group in terms of histological grade, depth of cervical invasion, FIGO stage, parametrial infiltration, lymph node metastasis, and CXCL13 (p<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that CXCL13, histological grade, depth of cervical invasion, FIGO stage, parametrial infiltration, and lymph node metastasis were all factors influencing recurrence and metastasis. There was a positive correlation between CXCL13 and histological grade, depth of cervical invasion, FIGO stage, parametrial infiltration, and lymph node metastasis (p<0.05).
Conclusions: The level of CXCL13 is closely associated with the clinical outcome of cervical cancer after radical surgery and can serve as an important indicator for predicting clinical outcomes. Its application in clinical practice is highly recommended.