A novel multiplexed flow cytometry technology was used to measure the expression of 17 cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12 [p70], IL-13, IL-17, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor [CSF], granulocyte-macrophage CSF, IFN-γ, monocyte chemoattractant protein [MCP]-1, macrophage inflammatory protein [MIP]-1β, tumour necrosis factor [TNF]-α) at the protein level in 105 breast carcinoma. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is breast carcinoma.