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Natural killer cells and cancer
Author(s) -
Brittenden Julie,
Heys S. D.,
Ross J.,
Eremin O.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0142(19960401)77:7<1226::aid-cncr2>3.0.co;2-g
Subject(s) - cytotoxicity , lymphokine activated killer cell , medicine , cancer , immunology , immune system , cancer cell , natural killer cell , cancer research , lymphokine , adjuvant , oncology , biology , in vitro , interleukin 21 , t cell , biochemistry
BACKGROUND Natural cytotoxicity, mediated by natural killer (NK) cells and cells with lymphokine‐activated killer (LAK) activity, is believed to play an important role in host anti‐cancer defense mechanisms. METHODS The authors critically review recent publications on the role of natural cytotoxicity in patients with cancer. RESULTS In patients with cancer, several studies have noted variations in the numbers and activity of NK and cells with LAK activity in different body compartments. NK cell activity in the peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) is higher than that found in lymph nodes and within tumors, and this appears to be due to the presence of suppressor factors. The natural cytotoxicity of PBLs in patients with different types of cancers varies. However, there appears to be a trend for natural cytotoxicity to be reduced in certain cancer patients, possibly related to tumor volume or dissemination. Anti‐cancer treatments (e.g., surgery, hormonal modulation, radiotherapy and chemotherapy) can also result in suppression of natural cytotoxicity, although the long‐term effect on response to treatment and development of metastases is at present unknown. CONCLUSIONS NK and LAK cells, through the use of immune biologic modifiers, have been demonstrated to have a therapeutic role in the treatment of human cancers. Further studies are required to determine the optimal dosages and combinations of chemotherapeutic agents, the timing of surgery, and the adjuvant use of immune biologic response modifiers. An increasing awareness and understanding of this field, may allow for the future development of anti‐cancer therapies. Cancer 1996;77:1226‐43.