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Immunologic evaluation of patients with advanced head and neck cancer receiving weekly chemoimmunotherapy
Author(s) -
Zighelboim Jacob,
Dorey Fred,
Parker Neil H.,
Calcaterra Tom,
Ward Paul,
Fahey John L.
Publication year - 1979
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(197907)44:1<117::aid-cncr2820440121>3.0.co;2-q
Subject(s) - medicine , chemoimmunotherapy , lymphocyte , immunology , immune system , delayed hypersensitivity , head and neck cancer , population , chemotherapy , cancer , immunotherapy , environmental health
Patients with advanced head and neck cancer have significant reduction in their circulating lymphocyte mass which is reflected in decreased numbers of T cells, Fc receptor cells, and in derangements of T lymphocyte functions, i.e., decreased responsiveness to several dilutions of phytohemagglutinin and lack of development of delayed hypersensitivity to 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene (70% of patients were DNCB (‐)). A population of phagocytic cells capable of decreasing lymphocyte responsiveness to mitogens were demonstrated. Removal of these cells resulted in an increment in lymphocyte responsiveness. Immunological impairment seemed to correlate with patients' ability to become sensitized to DNCB. Those patients who were DNCB (+) had less derangement in their immunological parameters. Weekly administration of Corynebacterium purvum in conjunction with chemotherapy did not have a discernible effect on patient's immune reactivity.