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

ABSTRACT

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