Immunological studies in patients with breast carcinoma treated with radiotherapy

ABSTRACT

Several immunologic variables were evaluated in 30 females with breast carcinoma before and after radiotherapy. All patients underwent modified radical mastectomy. Immunologic studies of peripheral blood leucocytes included nitroblue tetrazolium [NBT] positive neutrophils, T-cell count [E rosette], lymphocyte blastogenic response to phytohaemaglutinin [PHA], concanavalin [Con A], Pokeweed mitogens [PWM] and determination of immunoglobulins IgG, IgM and IgA. The NBT positive cells, T-cell count, T-cell response to PHA and PWM were significantly depressed, while responses to Con A was significantly increased after radiotherapy. No significant changes has been noticed in the mean values of IgG, IgM and IgA. Positive correlation has been found between T-cell count and function in responses to PHA and Con A mitogens and prognosis in patients with cancer breast