Neutrophil phagocytic activity in lymphoma

A study of the phagocytic activity of neutrophils using the modified Wilkinson method was made in 21 lymphoma and leukemia patients as well as 15 control subjects. The results indicate a marginal reduction of the percentage of phagocytic cells but a very highly significant depression of the phagocytic index. These two parameters could however be correlated [r - 0.95]. No significant differences could be obtained between the various subgroups. Whether the cases are fresh or under therapy seems to be of little bearing but advanced cases had on the whole the lowest figures. The results were discussed in the light of some of the known facts about cancer immunology

Alpha feto-proteins in lymphomas and leukemias

Serum AFP was determined by the quantitative enzyme immunoassay method in a heterogenous group of lymphoma and leukemia. Irrespective of age, type of therapy and whether or not hepatic involvement was present all the cases had their figures well within the normal limits. The findings indicate that. 1. The lymphoreticulo endothelial and myeloid systems have no potentialities for AFP production. 2. AFP has no place in detection of hepatic involvement in malignancies of these systems and other methods must be sought for this purpose. 3. The specificity of liver injury conductive to AFP is stressed and elevation of AFP in cases carrying a hepatic cancer potential should tip the balance to the exclusion of lymphoproliferature malignancy and leukemia