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The effect of colorectal cancer upon host peripheral immune cell function
Author(s) -
Evans C. F. M.,
Galustian C.,
BodmanSmith M.,
Dalgleish A. G.,
Kumar D.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
colorectal disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.029
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1463-1318
pISSN - 1462-8910
DOI - 10.1111/j.1463-1318.2009.01819.x
Subject(s) - medicine , immune system , colorectal cancer , peripheral , cancer , function (biology) , oncology , immunology , genetics , biology
Objective Colorectal cancer is immunogenic. However, it is also associated with suppression of host immunity. Identifying the mechanisms involved in immune suppression is necessary to develop future immunotherapeutic strategies. The aim of this study was to assess immune cell function in colorectal cancer patients. Method A total of 80 colorectal cancer patients (41 male) prior to treatment and 38 matched controls (21 male) were recruited. Venous blood samples were taken. White blood cell composition was determined using monoclonal antibodies. Levels of cytokines IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐2, IL‐10, IL‐4 and IL‐6 were measured from the supernatants of activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) following thawing and re‐suspension. Peripheral blood mononuclear proliferation was measured using 3H‐Thymidine. Results Stage I‐III cancer patients had elevated percentages of CD8 T cell ( P = 0.004) whilst stage IV patients had low total lymphocyte percentages ( P = 0.016). Monocyte and NKT cell percentage decreased with advanced tumour stages ( P = 0.013 and P = 0.038). Patients had lower PBMC proliferation and production of the TH1 cytokines (IFN‐γ and TNF‐α) ( P < 0.001) than that of the controls. IL‐6 and IL‐4 production were not significantly different. IFN‐γ and TNF‐α concentrations reduced with tumour vascular invasion ( P = 0.011 and P = 0.019). Conclusion Colorectal cancer induces an immunological response, shifting the cytokine balance. The most profound changes are seen once disease has spread systemically.