Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
05:41
Therapeutic Evaluation of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in an Interleukin 10-Deficient Mouse Model
Published on: April 6, 2022
Immunomodulation with low dose levamisole in patients with colonic polyps
Randall F Holcombe1, Christine E McLaren, Tatjana Milovanovic
1Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, 101 The City Drive, Bld. 56, Orange, CA 92868, USA. rholcomb@uci.edu
Cancer Detection and Prevention
|February 7, 2006
Summary
Levamisole (LMS) shows varied effects on colon polyp patients, acting as an immunostimulant for some and an immunosuppressant for others. Its use should be carefully considered, especially in those with normal immune function.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cancer Prevention
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Levamisole (LMS) possesses immunomodulatory properties and has been investigated as a colon cancer preventive agent.
- It stimulates the immune system in healthy individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immunologic effects of Levamisole (LMS) in patients with a history of colonic polyps.
- To determine if LMS can serve as a colon cancer preventive agent by assessing immune responses.
Main Methods:
- A placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial with a crossover design was conducted.
- Immunologic endpoints included flow cytometry of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), interferon-gamma copy number (IGCN) measurement, and ex vivo serum immune assays.
Main Results:
- Levamisole (LMS) did not alter antigen expression on PBMCs.
- Interferon-gamma copy number (IGCN) identified two patient groups with differential responses to LMS.
- Low IGCN individuals showed enhanced immune responses (increased interferon-gamma, CD25, CD16, CD56 expression) to LMS, while high IGCN individuals exhibited suppressed responses.
Conclusions:
- Levamisole (LMS) may act as an immunostimulant in patients with low basal IGCN and an immunosuppressant in those with high basal IGCN.
- LMS may not be optimal for most patients with colonic polyps and should be avoided in those with normal immune function.
- IGCN could serve as a biomarker for future immunomodulatory cancer prevention trials.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the colon and rectum. The primary drugs used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis are aminosalicylates. They exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. They modulate inflammatory mediators and inhibit the activity of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Aminosalicylates also reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene production and decreasing neutrophil chemotaxis and superoxide generation.
01:17Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),...
01:15Anthelminthic Agents
Anthelmintic drugs differ significantly from antiparasitic therapies targeting protozoa, primarily due to differences in parasite biology. Whereas most protozoal treatments act on proliferating cells, anthelmintics are typically directed against mature, nonproliferative helminths. The therapeutic approach considers the helminth's reliance on neuromuscular coordination, glucose metabolism, and microtubular integrity for survival, reproduction, and localization within the host. Most anthelmintics...