Eosinophils and Cancer: Exploring What the Numbers Might Indicate

Blood tests are important tools in assessing various health conditions. Elevated eosinophil levels can be detected through a simple blood test and are commonly associated with allergies and parasitic infections; however, they might occasionally be present in certain cancer cases. It's crucial to interpret a finding of eosinophilia within the broader context of a patient's overall health and other diagnostic information.

[signup]

What Are Eosinophils?

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell (WBC), which are immune system cells that protect the body against foreign invaders, infections, and diseases. There are five major types of WBCs:

• Neutrophils
• Lymphocytes
• Monocytes
• Basophils
• Eosinophils 

Each cell subtype has specific roles in supporting the immune system. Eosinophils are most commonly associated with allergic reactions and responses against parasitic infections. (22) 

Eosinophils can be identified by their bilobed nucleus and large granules that stain red-orange with eosin dye. They contain various enzymes and toxic proteins, such as major basic protein, eosinophilic cationic protein, eosinophil-derived neurotoxin, and eosinophil peroxidase, that coordinate immune responses and kill parasites. However, excessive eosinophil activity can contribute to tissue damage in allergic reactions and certain diseases.

In parasitic infections, eosinophils are particularly effective in fighting helminths (parasitic worms). Upon activation, eosinophils release their granule contents, which can kill the parasites directly. They also release signaling proteins called cytokines and chemokines that influence other immune cells during immune responses. (22, 23) 

In allergic conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and eosinophilic esophagitis, eosinophils accumulate in affected tissues and contribute to inflammation and tissue remodeling. They send signals to mast cells (another type of immune cell), which release histamine, a chemical that is responsible for causing classic allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion. (22, 23)

Eosinophil levels are measured with a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC) with differential. Normal levels range between 0-500 cells per microliter (cells/μL), or 1-4% of total circulating WBCs. Eosinophilia is defined as elevated eosinophil levels above this normal range. (8, 22) 

Causes of eosinophilia include:

• Allergic diseases, such as asthma, seasonal allergies, and eczema
• Parasitic infections
• Autoimmune diseases
• Cancer

Eosinophils and Cancer

Elevated eosinophil levels can sometimes signal an underlying cancer. Elevated eosinophil levels have been observed in some cancer patients. There are specific eosinophil-derived cancers, as well as other types of cancer where an increase in eosinophil count may occur due to immune system changes. However, elevated eosinophil levels alone do not diagnose cancer and should be interpreted by a healthcare professional as part of a broader diagnostic workup. (16) 

Eosinophilia may occur in the presence of the following types of cancers:

• Acute or chronic eosinophilic leukemia
• T cell and Hodgkin lymphoma
• Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
• Gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas, such as colorectal or gastric cancers
• Lung cancer
• Squamous epithelial cancers, such as cervical, vaginal, penile, skin, and bladder cancers
• Thyroid cancer 

The body may produce more eosinophils as part of an immune response to fight the cancer. Research suggests that eosinophils have an anti-tumorogenic role, releasing toxic proteins and cytokines that help attack tumor cells. Tumor-associated tissue eosinophilia is actually associated with improved prognosis in various types of solid tumors. (7, 24)

The degree of eosinophilia may provide clues to its underlying cause, although it is not definitive. Generally, higher eosinophil counts may prompt further investigation for conditions such as cancer, but this determination requires a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider. Eosinophilia is classified based on severity: 

• Mild eosinophilia: 500-1,500 cells/μL
• Moderate eosinophilia: 1,500-5,000 cells/μL
• Severe eosinophilia: greater than 5,000 cells/μL

Mild eosinophilia is often associated with: 

• Allergic rhinitis
• Asthma
• Eczema
• Eosinophilic esophagitis (16)

Moderate-to-severe eosinophilia is associated with: 

• Chronic sinusitis
• Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
• Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia
• Severe drug allergy
• Malignancy (16) 

Persistent elevation in eosinophil counts, particularly in the severe range, might warrant further investigation, including exploring potential underlying causes like cancer. However, only a healthcare provider can assess whether these findings are indicative of cancer after a thorough evaluation. 

Constructing a differential diagnosis (a list of possible conditions that could cause eosinophilia) and interpreting eosinophil counts within the broader context of the patient's health history and symptoms helps narrow down the potential causes of abnormal lab results and avoid misdiagnosis.

Other Lab Tests and Biomarkers to Monitor

When evaluating a patient with eosinophilia, a systematic clinical and laboratory approach helps in identifying the underlying cause and guiding appropriate management:

Begin with a thorough medical history to identify potential triggers such as recent travel, medication use, allergies, or parasite exposure. Inquire about symptoms like fever, weight loss, rash, gastrointestinal symptoms, or respiratory distress, which can provide clues that explain the underlying condition.

Perform a comprehensive physical exam focusing on signs of systemic illness such as lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), organomegaly (enlargement of organs), or skin changes like rashes and hives. These findings can direct further diagnostic testing.

Conduct baseline tests for possible causes and complications of eosinophilia, including: 

• CBC with differential to confirm eosinophilia and assess other blood cell levels
• Peripheral blood smear looking for dysplastic eosinophils or blast cells
• Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
• Stool examination for parasites
• Serum tryptase
• Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE)
• Antinuclear antibodies (ANA)
• Cardiac troponin
• Vitamin B12

Depending on initial findings, consider specialized tests and imaging, such as cancer-specific biomarkers, chest X-ray, abdominal/thoracic CT scans, pulmonary function tests, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and bone marrow biopsy. These tests may be ordered by specialists, such as allergists, infectious disease experts, hematologists, or oncologists. (21) 

Practical Considerations and Next Steps

Patients should follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss elevated eosinophil counts. Since eosinophilia can arise from many causes, ranging from benign to more serious conditions, professional medical evaluation is essential to determine the appropriate course of action.

The treatment and management of eosinophilia is dependent upon the severity and underlying cause. For example, your doctor will prescribe antiparasitic medications if you have a parasitic infection. Or, if you have allergies, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines for symptom management while additional allergy testing is performed to identify the allergic trigger. 

If your doctor cannot determine the cause of eosinophilia, they may recommend a watch-and-wait approach. In moderate-to-severe eosinophilia, your doctor may refer you to a specialist for additional evaluation. 

Patients should seek medical attention if they begin experiencing red flag symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, fever, or persistent fatigue, or symptoms of end-organ damage, such as skin rashes, dizziness, confusion, cough, and shortness of breath. 

[signup]

Key Takeaways

• Elevated eosinophil levels can be due to numerous underlying causes. This is why patients should trust professional medical advice for thorough testing and diagnosis. 
• Eosinophilia is most commonly associated with allergies and parasitic infections but can occur in more serious scenarios, such as cancer. 
• Understanding the potential role of eosinophils in various conditions, including cancer, aids healthcare providers in navigating diagnostic pathways and making informed decisions.
• Patients should rely on professional medical guidance to interpret these findings within the broader context of their health.