[Effect of splenectomy on intra- and extraperitoneal tumor growth with reference to the immune system in a rat model]

In this model, splenectomy does not significantly influence the intra- and extraperitoneal tumor growth. Although the spleen accounts 25% of the cellular immune capacity, we found no difference in pro- or antiinflammatory cytokines but a significant increase of the white blood count after splenectomy compared with the control group. The influence of splenectomy on growth of intraperitoneal disseminated tumor cells must be investigated in further studies.