Biochemical, cellular and proteomic profile from head and neck cancer patients submitted to postoperative immunomodulating therapy

Introduction: Head and neck cancer is one the most prevalent forms of cancer in Brazil and worldwide. Immunomodulating enteral nutrition therapy (ENT) can benefit head and neck cancer patients by modulating immune and inflammatory response. Objective: The purpose of this study was to draw a biochemical, cellular and proteomic profile of plasma from head and neck cancer patients submitted to postoperative immunomodulating ENT for 3-5 days. Material and Methods: The cohort was predominantly male, elderly and malnourished. Plasma proteins were quantified and submitted to electrophoresis, depletion chromatography and mass spectrometry. Results: The most highly expressed proteins were C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A1 and A2 (before ENT) and Factor B of the complement system (after ENT). Six protein tumor markers were identified: AAS, plasmin, zinc-α2-glycoprotein, α-1 antichymotrypsin, leucine-rich α-2 glycoprotein 1 and 2, and heavy chain of IgM. Conclusion: In conclusion, the most highly expressed protein in response to postoperative immunomodulating ENT was Factor B of the complement system.