Study of the role of serum blocking factors on the immune response of patients with cancer larynx and/or hypopharynx

Twenty-two patients with cancer larynx and/or hypopharynx were subjected to surgery. The effect of sera, taken from the patients and control individuals, on normal lymphocytes was assessed in the presence of non specific stimulant [PHA] and tumour antigen as speciuc stimulant. Higher proliferation of lymphocytes was noticed in response to control sera, compared to cancer patients. Also, a significant increase in lymphocyte biastogenesis in response to PHA and T.A. was noticed postoperatively. Patients with cancer larynx and/or hypopharynx have blocking serum factors in their sera which cause reduction in response of normal lymphocytes. These serum factors were significantly decreased or almost disappeared after one and half months postoperatively

Assessment of cell-mediated immunity in patients with cancer larynx and/or hypopharynx and the effects of surgery on this state

Twenty-two patients with cancer larynx and/ or hypopharynx were studied to assess the cell mediated immunity and the effects of surgery on this state. Conservation and radical surgeries were performed on these patients. Blast transformation assay was used to reflect the state of the immune system using non-specific stimulant phytohaemo-agglitinin [PHA], and tumour antigen [T.A.] as a specific stimulant. There was significant depression of cell mediated immunity in the patients when compared to control individuals. Also, significant difference in the postoperative results compared to the preoperative results using PHA and TA. The cell mediated immunity is suggested to improve after one and half months postoperatively