CHI3L1 and glioblastoma: Considering the interaction between IL-6 and YKL-40, their potential as prognostic biomarkers and treatment targets in GBM, we explored the prespecified hypotheses that high plasma IL-6 and YKL-40 pre-treatment or at relapse correlate with malignancy grade (WHO grade) of gliomas and have an adverse impact on survival in patients with glioma WHO grade IV.