Immune evaluation of lung cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy

Immunocompetence, as determined by skin reactivity to five microbial antigens, dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), and percent and absolute number of total T and B rosette-forming cells (RFC), was assessed before and up to 180 days after radiotherapy in 29 patients with carcinoma of the lung. Pretherapy evaluation showed a depressed response to microbial antigens (only 38% positive), to DNCB (50% positive), and lower level of T-RFC. Postradiotherapy determinations were further depressed. Patients with positive pretherapy responses to microbial antigens and DNCB and higher than median absolute numbers at total T-RFC had significantly longer survival. These data suggest that pretherapy immune evaluation is a good prognostic indicator. No prognostic significance was found in B-RFC evaluation. No correlation was seen between the stage of disease (locally advanced or with distant metastases) and the pretherapy immune response.