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[Kampo medicine and new immunological parameter].
1Kochi Medical School, Nankoku 783-8505.
Rinsho Byori. the Japanese Journal of Clinical Pathology
|June 23, 2004
Summary
A disturbed immune system, indicated by the monocyte/T cell (M/T) ratio, is linked to cancer recurrence. This M/T ratio may detect recurrence earlier than traditional markers, enabling timely retreatment and improved survival.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
Context:
- A disturbed immune system, particularly the balance between monocytes and T cells, is implicated in cancer recurrence.
- Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are crucial in immune surveillance and response to cancer.
Purpose:
- To establish a novel immunological parameter, the monocyte/T cell (M/T) ratio, for assessing immunocompetence in cancer patients.
- To investigate the relationship between the M/T ratio, cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity, and early cancer recurrence detection.
- To explore the immunomodulatory effects of Kampo medicine Juzen-taiho-to (TJ-48) on immune cells and the M/T ratio.
Summary:
- The study introduces the M/T ratio as a measure of immunocompetence in cancer patients, finding it correlates with cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity.
- The M/T ratio shows potential for earlier cancer recurrence detection compared to conventional tumor markers.
- Juzen-taiho-to (TJ-48) was shown to induce specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes and decrease the M/T ratio in patients with gynecologic cancer.
Impact:
- Early detection of cancer recurrence via the M/T ratio can facilitate prompt retreatment decisions.
- This approach may contribute to prolonged survival for cancer patients.
- Findings suggest potential therapeutic applications for Kampo medicine in modulating anti-tumor immunity.