[The lymphocyte immunological phenotype of young and middle-aged breast cancer patients]

The immunologic phenotype of lymphocytes of young and middle-aged patients with breast cancer was identified using ICO monoclonal antibodies. The parameters were compared to that of healthy subjects of the corresponding age groups. Breast cancer patients of both age groups were shown to have lower T-cell level as compared to donors. Parameters of T-cell-mediated immunity did not differ significantly between the young and middle-aged patients, although the former group tended to have lower level of mature T-lymphocytes. A significant decrease in parameters of B-cell-mediated immunity was observed in young patients as compared to donors whereas in middle-aged patients B-lymphocyte and monocyte levels were 4 times those in donors. B-lymphocyte level in young patients tended to be lower than in middle-aged ones.