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Adjuvant therapy of cancer via the cellular immune mechanism or fibrin by induced fibrinolysis and oral anticoagulants
Author(s) -
Thornes R. Douglas
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(197501)35:1<91::aid-cncr2820350114>3.0.co;2-z
Subject(s) - medicine , streptokinase , fibrinolysis , fibrin , cancer , immune system , plasmin , chemotherapy , warfarin , surgery , immunology , myocardial infarction , biochemistry , chemistry , enzyme , atrial fibrillation
The value of the oral anticoagulant warfarin sodium and fibrinolytic agents is discussed in relation to cancer surgery. A controlled trial of 128 patients showed that in a variety of recurrent cases the addition of warfarin to chemotherapy doubled the 2‐year survival rate. The best results were obtained in postmemopausal patients with breast cancer. Warfarin depresses cellular immune responses which might militate against its use for cases undergoing “curative” surgery. Instead, induction of fibrinolysis by streptokinase or Brinase is suggested, because it increases the activity of the cellular immune mechanism. The results to date of an ongoing controlled randomized trial of streptokinase with surgery of tumors of the large bowel are presented, showing that the trends are in favor of streptokinase therapy; however, insufficient time has elapsed to make it, as yet, statistically significant. The action of streptokinase‐induced plasmin and Brinase on lymphocytes is described.